Who is most often the abuser of a child in abuse cases?

• A. A Stranger
• B. Someone They Know
• C. A Non-Family Member
• D. A Teacher

Answer: (B)

Most abuse is carried out by someone the child knows, often a family member or a trusted adult who has access to the child. This matters because it means the perpetrator is typically within the child's circle of care and influence, not a random stranger. The phrase “someone they know” best captures this reality, since it includes family members as well as non-family caregivers the child interacts with regularly. This broad category aligns with the patterns seen in investigations and child protective data, making it the most accurate description of who typically commits abuse.

A stranger is less likely to be the abuser than someone the child knows, and singling out a non-family member or a teacher narrows the group too much, excluding close relatives who are often involved.