Sexual violence: defining pedophilia… |25 September 2020

Child sexual abuse is a significant and a widespread problem with many social, mental and physical consequences on the child and legal implications to the culprit. It is the responsibility of those who witness or have a child report to them on being molested to inform the respective authorities for further investigation.

Individuals who abuse children are sometimes diagnosed with what psychologist term as pedophilia. Pedophilia is a paraphilia (a term used to describe abnormal sexual desires) which refers to adults who are sexually attracted or sexually fantasises about prepubescent children (i.e. children who have not yet reached the puberty age, usually below the age of 13 years old).

Pedophiles are only sexually attracted towards children, either of the same or opposite sex. According to psychologists, this attraction is a psychiatric disorder, which, although incurable, can be altered given correct treatment to effectively manage the desires. However, because of stigmatisation many people with this attraction prefer not to seek mental health assistance.

There are various debates as to whether pedophiles act based on their feeling or with premeditated intentions. There is no clear answer to the matter, and the factors contributing to this condition are still unknown despite some research linking the condition to findings that victims of child abuse are most likely to be attracted to children as they become an adult.

These urges are not deemed a crime although it can be ‘offensive’ for most; a criminal offence arises only when the individual act on these desires by sexually abusing a minor.

Regardless of this condition, the message is plain and simple, actions by pedophiles against any child or young person below 18 years is morally wrong and a crime. Children must be protected from sexual violence.

Contributed by the Ministry of Family Affairs