Thirty-five years ago, I was a latch-key 14-year-old with parents too busy with the family business who did not notice a pedophile had entered their daughter's life. I didn't know he was a pedophile at the time. He was a school counselor at a middle school who actually listened to me, took an interest, seemed to care (that's what I thought, anyway). Slowly, he groomed me and a sexual relationship developed that lasted for two years. I liked the attention; that is what mattered most. He was only the first... There would be other pedophiles in high school who sensed my vulnerability; then abusive relationships with boyfriends and a failed marriage.

Finally, I am now married 10 years to a man who loves me and treats me well.

Parents, please give your children full attention otherwise they will turn somewhere else: Drugs, alcohol, gangs, or to a pedophile.

Please do not use my name.