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Q: We understand it can be hard to differentiate between normal and inappropriate interactions with children, but what are common warning signs some molesters share?

A: Porn addiction, deviant sexual fantasies, unusual interest in young children (i.e., hanging around the kids at a party rather than the adults), isolating children, trying to spend alone time with your child, taking a special interest in your children, buying them little gifts or things that they like, childlike behaviors, getting themselves in a position where they are in control of children, having lots of kid-related stuff at their houses that they have no need for, secrets with your child, ignoring personal boundaries, walking in the bathroom pretending it is an accident, playing lots of tickling/wrestling types of games to get children used to their touch, sharing too much personal information with your child, turning to your child for emotional support, relationship seems "too good to be true" (i.e., offers free babysitting), sexualized talk, "accidently" exposing self.

Q: If someone is fantasizing about children in a sexual way, what should he or she do to get help?

A: Call a therapist who specializes in sex offender treatment and get help! Do not wait around and think that the fantasies are okay because they are not. Fantasies about children are dangerous. Most people who commit sexual offenses fantasize before they commit the offense.

Q: How does a person go about finding a therapist who treats child sex offenders?

A: Call a probation office, children's services or the court system and see if they have a qualified list of providers. Make sure the therapist is licensed with training and experience in the field. This is important because the treatment is very different than traditional therapy.

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