The author, who is experienced in treating both sex offenders and survivors of sexual abuse and assault, advises that naivete, denial, and complacency by children/adolescents as well as adults allow sexual abuse to occur; sexual predators rely on these factors to select and seduce their victims. To provide the knowledge necessary to prevent sexual abuse, this book profiles the sexual predator; the personality traits of the ideal victims; the needs and reasoning of children and adolescents; the opportunities and locations of sexual molestations; and the mistakes that parents, teachers, religious leaders, and professional counselors make. The author argues that possession of such knowledge can help prevent at least 90 percent of seductive molestations and a smaller but significant percentage of assaultive molestations. Recognition and warning signs that sexual abuse may already have occurred are also discussed. Suggestions for the initial contact with survivors of sexual abuse are offered, and the importance of parental and family involvement in the treatment of the victim is emphasized. 6 figures, 49 suggested readings, a subject index, and a glossary of terms