Women are capable and active in the sexual exploitation of children and adults, online, directly and within rings of abuse and grooming.
The recent coverage of Ghislaine Maxwell’s prison interview and more noticeably the responses to her words, highlights that people are often uncomfortable with this reality and will find reasons that they would notsearch for if it were a male in question.
The majority of reported and prosecuted perpetrators are male. This does not show the unreported and undisclosed incidents or involvement.
Child on child abuse reports are increasing. Male children being targeted by both sexes of adults is becoming increasingly discussed. Adults being groomed attracts comments of blame and justification, but the conversations are gradually happening.
As I untangled the web and rings of grooming and exploitation that surrounded me as a child and an adult, the existence of female perpetrators became clear and integral to the workings of the abuse.
Women are involved, directly, in the process of grooming and exploitation.
Women of various ages and backgrounds, or different financial status and community standing.
They are often the recruiters of victims, the identifiers of targets.
They are often the taxi service to transport children and adults to their abusers.
They are the mask of normality and safety for many perpetrators whilst being directly involved or enabling the abuse.
They are the teachers and care staff in boarding schools and care environments.
They are the secretaries and professionals with access to information on the targeted victims.
They are the bar staff, café staff, support workers, educators in every community.
They are the helpful neighbours and friendly locals.
They are the mothers and sisters of family and friends with the easiest of access.
They are the gentle suppliers of gifts and extra support for the victims, hiding their knowledge of the truth behind a loan of money or a ride home.
They are the babysitters, the local unofficial child minder.
They are presented as the safe contact online.
Denying this reality is dangerous.
Listening to our instincts about the women in our children’s lives is vital.
Getting curious about the actions of women who have unexplained access to your child, your friends, your family is vital.
Acknowledging the existence of female groomers and exploiters is necessary to protect victims and survivors.