What is the difference between a molester and a sexual abuser? An attack by a molester differs from a sexual abuser in the following ways:

1. Relationship to victim. The molester encounters the child once and moves on. The abuser has an ongoing relationship with the child and sees the victim periodically.

2. Physical harm. The molester is more likely to hurt the child or threaten harm to control the child. Some abusers will threaten harm to child, but are more likely to use emotional blackmail. For example, the abuser may say, "If you tell your mom she will have a heart attack and die, and it will be all your fault," or, "If you tell anyone there will be a divorce, and you'll all have to move out of the house."

3. Duration. With a molester it is a one-time experience. Sexual abuse usually occurs over a period of time can be months or years by the same abuser.

4. Reporting. A molester is much more likely to be reported to the police then an abuser. Victims and parents are much more willing to report a stranger then a friend or family member.

5. Effects. Although both attacks are very traumatic and may require lots of counseling, because the molester is a one-time occurrence, there are less long lasting emotional effects.

6. Support. Usually in sexual molestation the friends and family will be very supportive and comforting. This helps the victim deal with the attack and put it all in the past. With sexual abuse, the abuser may be a family member, and may divide loyalties within the family; the child may feel deserted and rejected.

7. Treatment.The molester is a threat to everyone; the sexual abuser is usually only a threat to the family. This statement is important when thinking of treatment. Many pedophiles are never caught. The ones who are caught usually only get a fine and / or brief jail time. Once they are out of jail they are back to preying on children. Counseling does not seem to be effective on pedophiles. But it is usually helpful for abusers.