Most sexual abusers were also alcoholics, and almost all of them were men.

Most sexual abusers know the child they abuse.

A1 Youngsters are the sexual abusers, usually of other children, in an increasing number of reported incidents, experts say.

The offender is referred to as a sexual abuser or (often pejoratively) molester.

Celibacy should be voluntary as a way to have a healthier atmosphere of both married and single priests, one that wouldn't attract sexual abusers.

But none of these tests, psychologists say, can identify a potential pedophile or sexual abuser.

"Women are socialized very differently, and that is perhaps why less than 2 percent of sexual abusers are female," he suggested.

Less than 5 percent of child sexual abusers ever admit to being abusive.

In 1995, major metropolitan newspapers ran only a third as many stories about sexual abusers among the clergy as they had two years earlier.

During this time it was brought to his attention that a priest, Michael Hill, was a sexual abuser of children.