Written by : Kim Christiansen (9NEWS Anchor/Reporter) - 11/30/2004

It is a horrific crime with a lifelong sentence for its victims, sexual abuse of children.

Erin Dolgan is a licensed clinical therapist who works with sexual offenders. After 10 years of doing this type of work, she decided to write two books to help parents and children be aware of the problem.

The book for parents is titled "Relative Danger" because she says more than 9 times out of 10 the offender is someone who knows the child. He or she may be a parent, stepparent, coach, teacher or baby-sitter; someone who has access and trust with the victim.

The book for children is titled "Please Knock." Both books are expected to be released this spring.

To protect children, Erin emphasizes constant communication and no secrets. She says the problem is often multigenerational and a child may seek the help of an adult who does nothing to stop the problem.

As parents she says we must teach our children that secrets are never acceptable, since sexual predators tell the victim this is "their" secret.

Erin says there is no cure for sexual offenders, only control. And she says for all of those who have been charged with the crime, there are tens of thousands who have not been charged, or may never be caught. It is a sad reality that we must accept and also take responsibility for to protect our children.

For more information, click on our link to Erin Dolgan's website.