Predators: Pedophiles, Rapists, and other Sex Offenders

 

Predators: Pedophiles, Rapists, and other Sex Offenders

Who They Are, How They Operate, and How We Can Protect Ourselves and Our Children

by Anna C. Salter, PH. D.

Published 2004

 

Predators by Anna Salter is a thought-provoking study of the chilling and disturbing world of sexual predators. Drawing upon her years of experience as a clinical psychologist, Salter digs deep into the minds and motivations of sexual predators, providing readers with insights into this dark and complex issue.

The book begins by revealing the psychological understanding of predatory behavior.

Her years of research and work interviewing predators shed light on many factors that contribute to the planning and implementation of such heinous crimes. Factors such as: how people are time and time again naïve and manipulated, the false beliefs that they hold about victims and predators, and human inability to detect lies and deceit.  Salter reveals that predators use ignorance, beliefs, lies, and deceit to easily manipulate and abuse. Predators are often seen as a nice guy/girl, the type who opens the door, thoughtful, and considerate. Because of that view, the conclusion is they could never be a predator because predators are brutal, and this person is not brutal. Anna tears apart this notion and uses the power of stories and years of research to reveal the dark side. These are not nice people. They just want you to believe they are.

Salter’s goal is to convey the importance of prevention and awareness. She does this by highlighting the need for communities to be vigilant and proactive in protecting potential victims. By providing a comprehensive understanding of the methods and tactics used by predators, she equips readers with the knowledge necessary to recognize and respond to the signs of predatory behavior.

She answers the questions of “What kind of people and situations will you find a predator?” and “How do we protect ourselves?”  Anna gives several examples but ends her book with the method she finds most effective. Diversion. Diversion is the best way to keep yourself and others safe. The number one way to repel a predator: do not give opportunity for a predator to act. This is why it is so crucial to understand and recognize signs of predatory behavior.  The book is filled with several great examples and practical advice on how to divert predators and help protect communities and individuals.

The book may be difficult for some readers to consume due to its heavy subject matter. However, this serves a purpose, as it reveals the urgency of addressing sexual predation and the need for communities to face this issue head-on.  In fact, one of the book's strengths is in its unflinching examination of the topic. Salter does not shy away from the uncomfortable truths surrounding sexual predation but confronts the reader with the harsh realities of this problem.  We, as individuals and institutions, don’t necessarily want to think about or consider these dark, scary, and potentially triggering topics.  However, for the sake of the safety of our children, we must follow Anna’s lead and not shrink back or be willfully ignorant.

In conclusion, Predators by Anna Salter is a thought-provoking and comprehensive study of sexual predation. This book is an invaluable resource for those seeking to understand the minds of sexual predators. While it is not an easy read, it is an important one, shedding light on a dark and deeply troubling aspect of human behavior.