2) An emotionally dysfunctional adult may pay particular attention to a needy child. Sexual abuse is not always about sexual issues. Power can be another motivator for violation of a child. An adult who feels powerless in his or her own life may prey on the powerlessness of a child to feel the power that eludes them. Whether power issues or sexual issues, a dysfunctional teen or adult is likely to see a strong child as unobtainable, but a needy child as a more likely candidate for abuse.

1) If someone is a potential child molester, you may have a general feeling of discomfort in the presence of the person in question - maybe nothing you can quite put your finger on... but something's just not quite right. In such a situation, the observer may feel silly about having suspicions and try to put them out of his or her mind. That's normal. But it's also a warning light to be watchful when children are involved.