Pedophilia

=__**PEDOPHILIA**__=



Pedophilia is an act that usually involves young children. It can also be described as a disorder that involves some major sexual urges or fantasies. In the Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders, they explain that “pedophilia is a psychosexual disorder in which the fantasy or actual act of engaging in sexual activity with prepubertal children is the preferred or exclusive means of achieving sexual excitement and gratification” (Encyclopedia of Mental Disorder). In many cases this disorder can become very violent when the individual is purposely directing some sexual offense against another person forcibly and or against a person’s will; which the injured party is incapable of giving consent (National Incident-Based Reporting System’s{NIBRS}). In basic terms, pedophilia is the act in which an individual suffering from this disorder preys upon young children who have not reached puberty and forces themselves sexually upon them. Pedophiles usually have an interest in children that are younger than 13 years of age. In order to be considered a pedophile the person must be 16 years of age and 5 years older than the child or person of interest (Hall, Ryan 2007). Many studies have shown that males are more common than females to be pedophiles. In one study done from the Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders, they explained that 50% of men, who are arrested and convicted for pedophilia acts, are married.
 * What Is Pedophilia**

In fact there is now a popular television series that educates the public about how serious this disorder is in the United States. The television show that I’m talking about is //To Catch a Predator//. This show not only shows how severe this issue can become, but it also shows the different types of ways the pedophile can interact and engage a young child to agreeing to sex. This show is hosted by the infamous Chris Hanson of Dateline NBC. The objective of the show is to find pedophiles around the world by using the internet and fake locations that these men can meet their “potential” under-aged sexual partner. This show really shows the variety of men that do suffer from this disorder. Some examples of the convicted pedophiles that have been on this show were: men who were married, men with children, men who served in Iraq for the United States, teachers and even pastors. Those men that are bold enough to show up to the home to meet with the child, eventually gets arrested after their interview with Chris Hanson. After that they are put into the police car and sent to the police station where they are processed and from then on they stand trial, and if convicted they must register as a sex offender (MSNBC, 2011).  (To Catch A Predator)
 * Relatable Topics**

As we can see by the severity of a television show being made to improve this problem, pedophilia affects many people in the United States, especially men. In many statistical research samples, we’ve learned that men are usually individuals that display pedophilia disorders, but we do know that women can suffer from this disorder as well. Even though there is not much research out there about female pedophiles, we do know a little bit of information when it comes to the difference in female and male pedophiles. We know that usually women pedophiles are those whom take interest in young children, especially those in their care (Seto, Michael. 2004). They also tend to generally find interest in female victims instead of males who are much younger in age.
 * Women vs. Men**

A major case that dealt with pedophilia and even a horrible unsolved murdered case, was the JonBene’t Ramsey case. This was a major incident that is still unsolved until this day. JonBene’t Ramsey was 6 years old when she was murdered in her parents basement. When her parents and police found her dead at the scene, they found out that she had been a victim of a pedophilia act that most likely ended up in her death. Originally everyone speculated the father was the individual that committed both this murderous crime along with this horrible sex act because of statistical research and the known fact that his wife was not able to be sexually active anymore, due to cervical cancer. Once he was ruled out, they moved to the mother, which she eventually was ruled out as well (People, 1997).

 (JonBene’t Ramsey)

Studies show that the development and urges that pedophiles exhibit may be biologically or even mentally engineered (Harvard Mental Health Letter). Research also shows that many times, sexual urges and fantasies are developed in a very early stage of the individual’s life, which ultimately continues throughout time unless treated. In other studies, researchers found that male pedophiles often display an increased amount of male hormones called-Androgens. Many risk factors for pedophiles include: childhood abuse, family conflict, childhood behavioral problems, substance abuse and personality disorders. The form of treatments for disorders of pedophilia acts is mostly therapy or consultations. In many places in the United States, treatment is mandated for convicted child molesters. During the therapy sessions, the health care professionals propose treatments that target behaviors, beliefs and their fantasies. Other treatments that the physicians try to help these patients deal with is their addiction to this disorder. Many times individuals displaying this disorder will have an increased liking to this behavior.
 * Treatments**

Ordinarily, physicians use treatments that target sexual arousal of children, using aversion and other ways to suppress this arousal they develop when seeing children (Harvard Mental Health Letter). The health professionals try to help them in converting the sexual desire they get from children to adults their age. In treatment the physicians also try to help in preventing any types of relapses that the individual may develop. Although many of these techniques and support systems are out there, the success rate is quite low. Eventually we will figure out a way to gain control of this disorder, but until then we must be aware and mindful of the severity that this disorder brings.


 * __References__**


 * Hall, R. W., & Hall, R. W. (2007). A Profile of Pedophilia: Definition, Characteristics of Offenders, Recidivism, Treatment Outcomes, and Forensic Issues. //Mayo Clinic Proceedings//, 82(4), 457-471. Retrieved from EBSCO//host//.
 * Pedophilia. (Cover story). (2004). //Harvard Mental Health Letter//, 20(7), 1-4. Retrieved from EBSCO//host//.
 * "Pedophilia - Children, Causes, DSM, Functioning, Therapy, Adults, Person, People." //Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders//. Web. 11 Apr. 2011. .
 * //People Magazine//-1997. http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20143772,00.html
 * Seto, M. C. (2004). Pedophilia and Sexual Offenses Against Children. //Annual Review of Sex Research//, 15329-369. Retrieved from EBSCO//host//.
 * “To Catch a Predeator”. 