According to incarcerated serial rapist Brad Morrison, certain deterrents can prevent predatory attacks "like, if they had a dog, then forget it. Even a small one makes to much noise. If I saw a pair of construction boots, for example, out on the porch or on the landing, I walked right on by" (Cooper, King, & McHoes, 175). The authors argue that by taking these simple measures, the chances that a predator will find you vulnerable and an easy target are reduced. Victims of rape and sexual assault are not the only prey that predators target. Children are also prone to being considered weak and defenseless in the eyes of criminals. Child molesters and sexual predators often seek out children who are either playing outside alone or are in a situation that allows quick access to an unmonitored child (Cooper, King, & McHoes, 76). The real life child kidnapping and molestation by a sexual predator is "something that is all too common," according to Cooper, King, and McHoes (2007). In one of the cases, the small child engaged in daily online conversations over a period of time. In another case, the child was abducted and then sexually molested by a familiar person. The authors note that crimes against children "are different" than other types of predatory crimes because the predator uses flattery and other tactics that an unsuspecting child can easily fall into (Cooper, King, & McHoes, 88). This is especially true in the case of sexual predators who seek out children online or by watching their movements and attacking the child when he or she is alone.

Enlisting children in "Don't Talk to Strangers" programs is not enough to protect them from modern day predators (Cooper,...

Reducing the risk of sexual victimization and abduction involves having each child attend an "explicit training program" that educates others about the types of predators out there and how to avoid them. At these revolutionary educational programs, children learn the actual tactics of predators, including their art of persuasion. Children are also are taught how to recognize patterns of behavior in adults they are acquainted with and the similarities between these patterns and that of unfamiliar sexual predators. For example, "private parts" touching is considered a forbidden action by any adult and the coaches at these programs provide information to children about how to escape should anyone violate this sacred rule. The authors further argue that parents should be cautious about leaving their children unattended for even a few moments. Cooper, King, and McHoes (2007) note that predators act quickly and can abduct a child within a matter of a minute. Parents need to be vigilant about who, where, and how children spend their time.
In conclusion, predators are dangerous criminals who prey on victims that appear weak and who are defenseless. Rape and sexual assault victims are the most common type of predators commit in addition to the abduction and molestation of children. Reducing the risk of being victimized involves making simple changes in lifestyle, such as leaving a pair of men's construction boots on a porch or attending a children's predator prevention "explicit training program."

References

Cooper, G., King, M., and McHoes, T. (2007). Predators: Who They Are and How to Stop Them.

New York: Prometheus Books.