Chipchase started touching the groins of other children at age 6. Credit: Lincolnshire Police

20-year-old serial rapist Daniel Chipchase was classified as a possible sex offender when he was only three years old after displaying sexualised behaviour.

Chipchase, 20, admitted to assaulting a string of young children including a 10-year-old girl before raping three more.

The court was informed that Chipchase showed worrying signs of sexual awareness at age three. The court was also told that Chipchase drew lewd pictures and even tried to assault other children his age.

When the North Wales resident started school in 1998, his teacher reported that the then-6-year-old Chipchase put his hand on another boy's genitals. Alexander Dunn, Chipchase's barrister told the court that Daniel's formative years had a lasting effect on how he behaves.

Things to Know About Sexual Abuse and How to Protect Your Children

Sexual abuse or molestation does not necessarily have to be physical. It can be in the form of showing indecent photos to a minor to watching a child dress. Molestation also refers to forcing or asking a child to sexually touch an adult. If the action of an adult towards a child is deemed inappropriate, it can be classified as molestation under the law. Below are a few things parents can do to prevent such an act:

Instilling a Little Doubt is Good

According to the American Psychological Association, sixty percent of children who have been sexually abused were molested by friends or family. The best way to avoid this from happening is to not let your child out of your sight. Talking to him or her about sex offenders is also a good idea.

In the school setting, children are usually left alone with their teachers or other people in positions of authority. To prevent molestation, parents should make their children avoid being alone in a room or a secluded area with a teacher or their coach.

Monitor Behavioural Changes

If you see mood or behavioural changes in your child, it is imperative to get to the bottom of it. Child molesters frighten their victims by telling them that their parents will be angry if they learn about what happened.