Extrafamilial Child Molestation, Theories of

Extrafamilial child molestation is child sexual abuse involving contact between a child and a nonfamily member. Extrafamilial sexual abuse may be categorized as stranger or nonstranger perpetrated. The majority of extrafamilial offenders know their victims. These offenders are often found in roles of authority, volunteered positions, or in nonfamilial caregiver roles. Except for offenders who took vows of celibacy, most offenders are married. Intrafamilial and extrafamilial offenders who know their victims are very similar in psychological factors.

Both offender types are also similar in the number of victim disclosures that occur. Only one third of child molestation survivors disclose their abuse during childhood, and 60% delay disclosing for 5 or more years after the first child molestation episode. Many survivors wait decades before disclosing their abuse, ...