Statistics do NOT show that those who are abused go on to abuse! That is an erronious assumption. What statistics show is that upwards of 70% of molesters, those in jail for it, report that they were molested as children. To be clear: NOT 70% of those abused will molest... 70% of those who molest were molested themselves.
I was sexually abused as a child but I have absolutely no fear that I would pass my pain along. I have many friends who suffered similarly in their childhoods. These are amazing people, that I love and trust, and yes, I trust them with my kids. Some people who are abused internalize the abuser, they imitate the person that had power over them to make themselves feel powerful. Many who are abused do not do internalize the abuser, they reject him. These ones that reject the abuser still need therapy to become emotionally healthy. While they would never molest a child they might be unable to protect a child from someone else who would abuse them. These are the women who date or even marry men that molest their children and never notice what is happening. But with therapy and awarness, people that were molested can be the best, most sharp-eyed defenders of kids.
I love my kids and I would never do anything to jepordize their well-being. Most people think I am too protective. I don't use babysitters very often, maybe a few times in a year. My mother in law has been going nuts because she wants to babysit her grandbaby... I finally let her. He was with her for one hour so we could grocery shop in peace. He is 7 months old. That one hour period is the only time in his life that I was not with him.
So, sorry for my tirade. I just hate it when this misinformation crops up, as it often does.
*SIGH*
~Witch