...Pedophilia, defined by the DSM, is the “recurrent, intense sexual urges and sexually arousing fantasies involving sexual activity with a prepubescent child.” Albeit children are the clear victims of these heinous cases of sexual abuse, are the pedophiles really at fault? In Margo Kaplan’s New York Times article, “Pedophilia: A Disorder, Not a Crime,” she discusses how the criminalization of pedophilia has facilitated incidences of sexual offense. Instead of doing research into the underlying causes of pedophilia, law-makers prefer to ignore these neurological defects in pedophiles, and only intervene when a crime has already been committed (para 3). Usually, once the offense has taken place, the pedophile is then charged with severe sentences....
Words: 771 - Pages: 4
...Pedophilia, or child molestation, is a particularly horrifying and deviant sexual interest. Due to the intense feelings surrounding pedophilia in America, there has been a great deal of research into what causes this extreme deviation from normal sexual interests. In current research, cognitive distortions are considered to be unequivocally tied to this kind of sexual offending and while sexual interest and cognitive distortions are often considered to be related, not much research has gone into understanding or studying this relationship. This article will be focusing on the research surrounding cognitive distortions of pedophiles and their sexual interests in an attempt to draw parallels between these two common themes. While research into cognitive distortions in pedophiles and sexual interests of pedophiles is far from scarce, it is still an important topic to consider because...
Words: 696 - Pages: 3
...Pedophilia is defined as the fantasy or act of sexual activity with a prepubescent child. These predators are typically men that can possibly be attracted to either or both the female child along with the male child. These same perpetrators view their actions as aiding the child mature through their youth stages. In addition, they also deceive themselves into thinking that the child actually enjoys this manipulation. However, the perpetrator informs the child to keep silent about what has occurred, informing the child to not tell his or her parents. The opposing arguments within the Social Control Theory suggest that these listed behaviors are brought on by society. This same theory also explains why people are law abiding citizens. Apparently...
Words: 358 - Pages: 2
...“Evangelicals 'worse' than Catholics on sexual abuse.” Christian Century 130(22) (2013): 16. This article was written by Mr. Bob Allen in the Christian Century publication. Mr. Allen is a contributing writer. Though very short in length, Allen provides a looking at how Evangelicals handles sexual misconduct by its’ clerics and administrators. The addresses the issue of pedophilia but also how Evangelicals are quick to point out their belief of Catholics being worse than them. Allen provides insight on the level of arrogance, lack of transparency, and accountability amongst Evangelicals. He also makes a point of noting that there isn't a method of tracking pedophiles in the church no is there protection for congregates from bullying by clerics and administrators for exposing deviant behavior. As stated before the article is brief but provides a detailed look of how Evangelical view sexual misconduct in comparison to those in the Catholic clergy. Dreher, Rod. “Sins of the Fathers.” National Review 54(2) 2002): 27-30. In the article Sins of the Father, Rod Dreher provides a brief history of pedophilia in the Catholic Church. Dreher is a former writer for the NY Post and the current senior writer for the National Review. The article begins with a focus on the initial breaking new report Catholic priest James Porter misconduct. He also focuses on the number of years the behavior was known about by the church, but never reported by the church. Dreher provides a detailed look...
Words: 1437 - Pages: 6
...person with Pedophiliac Disorder, may not think they did anything wrong to the child or children, even though there is substantial evidence with doing so. A pedophile which is another word used to describe someone with Pedophiliac Disorder is describe as a person sexual attracted to a child. If the person feels guilty, shameless and remorse towards the thoughts they are thinking, the person with get diagnosed with Pedophilia Sexual Orientation. Pedophilia Sexual Orientation is when the person does not...
Words: 687 - Pages: 3
...Exploring the World of Pedophilia Abnormal Psychology 201 Abstract In recent years religious groups, policymakers and psychologist have debated information regarding the psychosexual disorder called Pedophilia. Most people agree that this disorder deserves attention, and there are very negative stigmas associated. California Congresswoman Jackie Speier, Democrat, wants to federalize a state law to protect pedophiles. In October 2013, the top cleric in Poland’s Roman Catholic Church said parents share blame for certain cases of pedophilia. Recently, Iranian legislature approved a law that will allow girls under the age of 13 to marry as long as the permission of her father is granted. This research paper will examine the historical, cultural, and psychological information regarding pedophilia and how this disorder is viewed in a modern society. This research paper will also examine the prevalence, causes, and treatment of this disorder. Exploring the World of Pedophilia Pedophilia, also spelled paedophilia, psychosexual disorder in which an adult has sexual fantasies about or engages in sexual acts with a prepubescent child of the same or opposite sex. (Britannica, 2013) The American Psychiatric Association has included Pedophilia in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders since 1968. (Blachard, 2010) This research paper will explore the historical, cultural, and psychological information related to the disorder of pedophilia. Researching this...
Words: 1365 - Pages: 6
...Child Beauty Pageants Should be Banned Parents are the first form of mentors that children have to guide them into adulthood. As those mentors it is the parents’ job to positively shape their child’s moral character, values and ethics, and their overall mental, physical and spiritual development. Child beauty pageants go against that parental code by teaching that self-worth is in appearance, creating negative behavioral and emotional issues, as well as, sexually exploiting children and therefore, should be banned. Self-worth To begin with, pageants teach that self-worth is in the physical appearance, instead of within. Self-worth is about the value you place on yourself through an internal connection. Beauty pageants take away from that in the essence that it puts a high value on beauty and perfection instead of character. Children are taught at a young age, that they are in competition with others and whoever is the most beautiful and have perfected talents, are winners and everyone else is losers. Along with that K. Meginnis-Payne & C. Travis (2001) , states “ In addition to promoting mixed messages about the role of beauty in women’s lives, beauty myths foster competition, divisiveness, and distrust among women. These myths undermine the collaborative, supportive relationships women create with one another. All beauty myths promote the idea that beauty is the most vital aspect of a women’s being.” Negative Behavioral and Emotional Issues Secondly, since a child...
Words: 898 - Pages: 4
...ages 13 and younger. Pedophiles have been around for a long time, pictures of men have sexual intercourse with young boys have been evident in hieroglyphics. Pedophiles are becoming more common toady our many communities are affected by pedophiles. Due to technology, finding out whether a pedophile lives in your area is fast, easy and a click away. According to a report from the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Statistics about 96% of reported pedophiles were male. It is important to note that there is a still a small percentage of female pedophiles and that they are not only restricted to men. About 23% of pedophiles are at least 18 years of age or younger, while 77% are adults. In order for a person to be diagnosed with pedophilia they must meet certain criteria. The person has experienced sexual fixation, fantasizing or sexual activities with a preadolescent child for at least 6 months. Fantasizing or sexual activity with an adolescent child must interfere with the persons personal or job life. Finally the offender must be at least 16 years of age and the victim must be a minimum of 5 years younger than the offender. There is no cure for the desires a pedophile experiences....
Words: 490 - Pages: 2
...Eleven Ways to Spot a Pedophile I spend a lot of my time speaking to the media about incidents of child abuse 'after the fact" when people are trying to make sense of why and how it could happen. But instead of focusing on what we can do with the creeps after they're caught, I would rather give parents some information to empower them to keep their kids safe. After all, you will never be able to control others' behavior, but you can control your own. The first thing to remember is that pedophiles are master communicators. They are very good at sliding into a family and befriending the parents to gain access to their kids. But there are warning signs that you can look for that may indicate someone has less than honest intentions with your family. Preferential child molesters and pedophiles have distinct patterns of behavior that are highly predictable. As a parent, it is crucial that you learn to identify these patterns as warning signs, as they are an extremely valuable tool in assessing whether someone represents a risk to your children. Each one of these characteristics, taken on their own, can mean little. But if you can identify a large number of them in an individual you know, you need to remove that person from your child’s environment and never allow him to have unsupervised access. A pedophile could be someone who: 1. Shows an intense interest in children and childlike things. It is hard not to care about kids. In fact, you may be suspicious of those who show...
Words: 898 - Pages: 4
...Sexual Predation and Pedophilia Smith Aja Professor Chuck Russo RC507 American Military University Introduction Childhood is supposed to be a time of discovery and play, not abuse. Sexual predators have been lurking this planet for decades; now they're being marked for life because of there actions. Neighbors and the home towns of sexual predators are being alerted of their crimes and whereabouts by local police. Such towns have responded by putting up signs in their town, "CHILD MOLESTER TWO DOORS DOWN" (Popkin, pg 73). Others responded by burning or flooding their new neighbors out (Popkin). What did these convicted criminals do to deserve such punishment? They violated the most precious living creature on this planet, a child. Communities definitely have a right to know that a dangerous child molester is moving to their town. Child molesters have been convicted, charged and sentenced for their crimes for many years. Do people really know the people they live by so well, that they would leave their own child with them? Also, if they had a legal right to, would they check out their neighbor's history at the police office, or trust them? In the summer of 1994, seven-year-old Megan Kanka was kidnapped, raped, and then killed by convicted child molester Jesse Timmendequas. The outraged community was never informed that Timmendequas and two other convicted child abusers had moved in across...
Words: 5261 - Pages: 22
...Pedophilia: Disorder or Preference? By Sonya Formhals Table of Contents Page 1: Title Page Page 2: Table of Contents Page 3: Introduction Page 4: Thesis Statement, Analysis of Thesis, and Evidence: First Point Page 6: Objection to First Evidence Point and Response to First Objection Page 7: Second Evidence point Page 8: Objection to Second Evidence Point Page 9: Response to Second Objection Page 10: Third Evidence Point Page 11: Objection to Third Evidence Point Page 12: Response to Third Objection Page 13: Conclusion Page 15: Works Cited Introduction Imagine walking into a restaurant and seeing a proposal, such a joyous occasion. As you applaud and cry out “Cheers!” you may think back to your own proposal and it may have happened. Joy and love overwhelms you and you may even tear up a little. A cause for celebration by anyone’s idea, then as you walk by you discover the bride is actually only a ten year old girl. Does this change your view on it? Do you still have those same feelings, or does something more like disgust register in your heart? Recently in the past few years there has come about requests from advocates and groups to change the classification of pedophilia. Currently it is listed as a mental disorder in the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. Certain groups are of the opinion that it is not a disorder but a valid sexual preference, such as heterosexuality or homosexuality and that by denying...
Words: 3362 - Pages: 14
...Pedophilia and Abuse in the Media: More than “Just Fiction and Jokes” I met Cameron Bundy when I was 15, and had just started my freshman year at Cinco Ranch High School. At the time, I thought it was so cool to have an older friend (he was a junior and a year or two older than others in his class) that shared my love of anime. However, about a month after we started talking, Cameron began grabbing my chest and making sexual comments at me, even when I expressed discomfort. Eventually I told my mom and we reported it to the school, but he was just told, “Don’t do it again,” and still did it again near the end of his senior year. One advance he frequently made at me was comparing me to a “loli”, a common character trope in anime that involves a young female character or a female character that appears young, frequently being sexualized. A friend of his told me one day that the whole reason Cameron was interested in me was that I looked like one of these lolis. Cameron’s actions make it very clear: the way media treats abuse, pedophilia, and similar topics is very harmful to victims. Cameron is just one of many examples of how the normalization and even romanticizing of abuse and pedophilia enables abusers. Seeing these things in the media makes abusive individuals think that what they’re doing is justified because hey, it...
Words: 698 - Pages: 3
...paedophiles can sometimes get less of a sentence than those who steal bread to eat. what a system we have. 2. Exclusive pedophiles are attracted only to children. Non-exclusive pedophiles are attracted to children and adults. Child-oriented pedophiles actually care about the children. Self-oriented pedophiles simply use the children for sexual gratification. You might want to cover the consequences of childhood sexual trauma, not least of which is dissociative identity disorder (D. I. D.), formerly known as multiple personality disorder (M. P. D.). 3. That sounds like an interesting paper. I would probably focus less on causes and more on treatment for pedophilia. Because the causes are arguable (although I just read about a study that came out last week saying there is a genetic component to pedophilia), I think focusing on the treatment and healing process for pedophiles and sex offenders is much more interesting. We already know many environmental factors that contribute to adults "becoming" pedophiles, such as prior sexual abuse as a child, certain mental illnesses (attachment disorders and personality disorders), and other history of abuse. I bought a book recently which might help you, if you have time to go pick it up. I bought it at Barnes and Noble or Borders, I forget... It's a quick read and has testimonies and interviews with convicted sex offenders, mostly pedophiles. It is FASCINATING! It's called "PREDATORS: Pedophiles, Rapists, and Other Sex Offenders"...
Words: 2912 - Pages: 12
...* * Child Molestation and Homosexuality Ann Landers used to proclaim that the statement “Homosexuals are more inclined to molest children sexually than heterosexuals” is false.1 The American Psychological Association sponsored a work asserting: “Recognized researchers in the field on child abuse,… almost unanimously concur that homosexual people are actually less likely to approach children sexually.”2 Why is it, then, that we read about sex between boys and men in every newspaper? Does it merely reflect sensationalist journalism? We know that heterosexual molestation also occurs. But since there are so many more heterosexuals than homosexuals, which kind of child molestation — homosexual or heterosexual — is proportionately more common? The Scientific Evidence Three kinds of scientific evidence point to the proportion of homosexual molestation: 1) survey reports of molestation in the general population, 2) surveys of those caught and convicted of molestation, and 3) what homosexuals themselves have reported. These three lines of evidence suggest that the 1%-to-3% of adults who practice homosexuality3account for between a fifth and a third of all child molestation. Reports of Molestation by the General Population In 1983, a probability survey of the sexual experiences of 4,340 adults in five U.S. cities found that about 3% of men and 7% of women reported sexual involvement with a man before the age of 13 (i.e., 30% was homosexual).4 In 1983-84, a random survey...
Words: 23815 - Pages: 96
...The Age that police would have no basis to prosecute Henson over his photographs of naked teenagers, after they were declared "mild and justified" and given a PG rating[13] by the Australian Classification Board, suggesting viewing by children under the age of 16 is suitable with parental guidance.[14] Out of protest, the Art Monthly Australia magazine published an image of the 6-year-old Olympia Nelson taken by her mother, Polixeni Papapetrou. According to the then-11-year-old Olympia, she did not believe the photograph amounted to abuse and was upset with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's remark that he hated it. Olympia's father, art critic Professor Robert Nelson, defended it, saying: "It has nothing to do with pedophilia. The connection between artistic pictures and pedophilia cannot be made and there is no evidence for...
Words: 280 - Pages: 2
