Have you ever wondered what a person looks like who physically, sexually or mentally abuses children? Most of us have a picture in our heads of some creepy monster-type who can be spotted a mile away. Statistics show, though, that the average male who sexually abuses children is a mirror image of the average American male.

77 percent of admitted child molesters are married or formerly married, while 73 percent of all American men are married or formerly married. Education levels do not represent a significant difference either. 46 percent of admitted child molesters have some college experience, while 49 percent of all American men have some college experience. 65 percent of admitted child molesters work, while 64 percent of all American men work. 93 percent of both admitted child molesters and all American men are religious.

Sources: The Abel and Harlow Child Molestation Prevention Study and the 1999 U.S. Census Statistical Abstract. Chart taken from "The Stop Child Molestation Book," by Gene G. Abel, M.D., and Nora Harlow (Xlibris, 2001).

To put the statistics into words: Child molesters are very similar to the average American male in most ways. They are married, educated, employed and as religious as the general American male population. Furthermore, each ethnic group has child molesters among them, and again, the percentages bear a close resemblance to the US Census. Does this mean that the average American male is a child molester? No, but it does mean that the child molesters among us are virtually invisible. That is a scary thought. Pair that with statistics showing that 10 percent of child sexual assaults are committed by strangers, but a staggering 90 percent are committed by family members and known acquaintances, and that's enough for almost any parent to never let their children out of sight. To find out how to help a child after abuse, visit www.livingafterabuse.com for your free report "How to Help Children Triumph Over Abuse."

It is estimated that there are 39 million adult survivors of child molestation. There are 3 million children currently being sexually abused in this country. And for every one case of child molestation reported to the authorities, there are at least two that go unreported. Child abuse and molestation is an emergency.

With such staggering statistics and an invisible enemy, many parents are left wondering, "How can I protect my child?" The answer is education. Educate yourself, so you can educate your children. I highly recommend "The Stop Child Molestation Book," by Gene G. Abel, M.D., and Nora Harlow (Xlibris, 2001). If you suspect your child's already been a victim or just want to know what to do if there is an incident, please visit www.livingafterabuse.com for your free special report "How to Help Children Triumph Over Abuse." Knowledge is the key to end the epidemic of child molestation.