I was traumatized as a young boy by a three generation family that lived on three sides of my family's home. I was introduced to that world by young boys whose play was sexual... as happens when children are themselves sexually abused. Eventually I came to the attention of the grandfather, but it was one of his sons who raped me when I was 7. That journey into hell began when I was 3 and I was just curious about what these older boys were doing. I wish I'd never found out.
It was only as an adult that I came to a clear picture of what happened. The grandfather built three homes directly behind his own home, one for each of this three sons. My family was told the son who owned the middle of those three homes defaulted on his loan. Of late I've been musing about the possibility he defaulted to get away from his father. This was a family enterprise and using younger children was the norm. They were a good Catholic family that went to church every Sunday and there were a great many grandchildren available for dads and grand dad to enjoy. I wouldn't be surprised if those boys continued the family tradition but sadly, I don't remember their name so calling the local police department... which I did, was fruitless. It was a good thing to do nonetheless.
Men and boys who sexually use children and teens have invariably been sexualized by their own trauma. I came close to doing something with a younger boy but his mother appeared on the scene before anything could happen. I was 11 or 12 and it was not some desperate attack but simply a form of play to me... that is how it can begin. Honestly, I was so young when these things happened that I forgot everything about it. My sexual acting out took different forms that were also rooted in trauma I experienced at home as an infant.
It is important that recognizing perpetrators have themselves been traumatized doesn't excuse their behavior. They need to be stopped and brought to justice. Perhaps once their behaviors are brought to light, they too can find support for healing... though I wouldn't count on the criminal justice system investing in treatment. This is a very sad world for all of us, but we've found our way here and have the chance to heal.