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	Sex Offenders Reveal 'Sick Secrets' The Indychannel March 30, 2011 http://www.theindychannel.com/news/27379057/detail.html [with video] MUNCIE, Ind. -- A handful of convicted sex offenders spoke frankly to 100 strangers Wednesday night in Muncie, with no questions off limits. The workshop was a first-of-its-kind event put on by the Family Services Society to prevent future abuse, 6News' Tanya Spencer reported. As offenders spoke candidly about the crimes that put them in jail, two of the panelists said they assaulted young girls they had just met. One abused his own daughter and another was a church mentor. The offenders talked about how they justified their actions in their minds. "I moan and gripe and complain about the children that are wearing pants that's got "sexy" (written) on the back. Why do you want to put a word on your 12-, 14- or 16-year-old daughter's butt? I mean, is that not trying to draw attention to her?" said one sex offender, who met his teenage victim online. He blamed pornography for fueling his addiction to sex. All of the panelists agreed that they thought only of their own gratification during their crimes, never about the effect on their victims.Parents came to the workshop looking for answers. "(I want) to see how these folks operate and get insight to see where I can stand to protect my own children," said Dwight Martin, a father of a 5-year-old. "(I wanted) to make sure that I know what to look for to keep my kids safe," said Brandy Martin, Dwight's wife. "I have three little children. I have a 4-year-old, a 1-year-old and a 3-month-old. That's my worst fear ever is that something awful like that could happen to them," said parent Sandrina Saintignon. Counselors with the Family Services Society said unfortunately there's no known set of characteristics or personality traits that will help parents identify an offender. They also said that 90 percent of sexual abuse is committed by someone the victim knows and trusts. The best advice from those who know best how to lure young victims is to talk to and listen to kids. Let them know they're loved unconditionally and that they can share anything with you. Also, pay close attention to any change in their behavior. "It (the sexual abuse) changed how she (his 13-year-old daughter) acted towards me," said one offender, "So, if you see a change toward a family member or friend, pay attention to it. Ask questions." Experts said one in three girls and one in six boys will be molested in their lifetime. Experts also said 88 percent of sexual abuse cases are never reported. The Family Services Society has done panels like Wednesday's before for small groups, but this was the first that was open to the public. Event organizers said they may offer more sessions in the future.
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