Professional perpetrators: sex offenders who use their employment to target and sexually abuse the children with whom they work

Professionals who use their work as a cover for targeting and sexually abusing children have become the focus of public, media and legislative concerns in recent years. In the past 15 years, scandal after scandal has led to review investigations and public inquiries. These in turn have led to legislative changes to help improve childcare practices and prevent perpetrators from gaining access to children through institutions and organizations. This paper explores the literature and research studies which examine institutional abuse and professional perpetrators.