It would appear that many cases of father-child incest appear to be a reaction to stresses and losses that threaten the fathers masculinity, other cases have been seen as an expression of anger A child molester can be classified into three sub group depending on the motivations behind their crimes. The first group is the pedophiles. A pedophile is attracted to children sexually and receive gratification by their actions. They often seduce children with attention and gifts. A second group can be classified as the child haters - sociopaths. While gratification may occur from molesters with this motivation it is more an issue of power then it is sexual desire. These offenders are similar to the 'power' motivated rapists seen in other sexual crimes. The primary difference is the target of their actions. The final group is those who are profiteers of child pornography or child prostitution. While this group may also include members of the above, the primary motivation is financial. While the above information represents the typical child molester it is important to realize that there is a significant number of offenders that do not fit this mold. This is particularly true for male victims. Where the offender though often known to the victim is not related but rather a person in a position of power. However, when approaching a evaluation it is important to recall what is typical and make alterations from there by observing all the evidence that makes each case unique.
According to the American Humane Association, the natural parent was the major abuser (42 percent of the cases), but other relatives accounted for much of the sexual abuse (23 percent). Other close people, such as adoptive and foster parents, as well as step-parents, accounted for (35 percent) of sexual abuse cases. Despite newspaper reports concerning sexual abuse in daycare centers and of children being abused by strangers, these abusers make up a small number of cases. In addition, the American Humane Association found that the abuser was usually male (82.4 percent of the time