Pedophilia: Child Sexual Abuse
Eugene Posniewski
English 10-1
Ms. Foley
22 January 2010
What is Pedophilia? Pedophilia is a paraphilia that involves an abnormal interest in children. A paraphilia is a disorder that is characterized by recurrent intense sexual urges and sexually arousing fantasies generally involving: nonhuman objects; the suffering of humiliation of oneself or one’s partner; or animals, children, or other nonconsenting persons. Pedophilia is also 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 toward children of the same sex or children of the other sex. Pedophiles are only able to function in society sometimes. It is socially taboo to accept a pedophiliac into society; Pedophiles are most often imprisoned. Causes and symptoms of a pedophiliac come from the attraction and vulnerability of children. Pedophiles who are tempted solely by children are more so the Exclusive Type, meaning their exclusion from society. Nine tenths are male and are fascinated by preteen females, teenage males, or sometimes both. However, it is rarer for pedophiles to be attracted to both sexes (“Pedophilia and Fetishism”). Most paraphilic fantasies begin in late childhood or adolescence and continue throughout adult life. The intensity and occurrence of the fantasies are variable, and they usually decrease as people get older (“Pedophilia”). Some pedophiles offer rationalizations or excuses that enable them to avoid assuming responsibility for their actions. The children may be blamed for being too attractive or sexually provocative. The pedophiliac may also say that they are only teaching the child about love (Fleming). To a pedophiliac, a relationship with a child is much more fulfilling to their needs and relationship issues. Sex with children is free and daring; it enhances the pedophile’s magical sense of omnipotence and immunity, making him/her feel
English 10-1
Ms. Foley
22 January 2010
What is Pedophilia? Pedophilia is a paraphilia that involves an abnormal interest in children. A paraphilia is a disorder that is characterized by recurrent intense sexual urges and sexually arousing fantasies generally involving: nonhuman objects; the suffering of humiliation of oneself or one’s partner; or animals, children, or other nonconsenting persons. Pedophilia is also 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 toward children of the same sex or children of the other sex. Pedophiles are only able to function in society sometimes. It is socially taboo to accept a pedophiliac into society; Pedophiles are most often imprisoned. Causes and symptoms of a pedophiliac come from the attraction and vulnerability of children. Pedophiles who are tempted solely by children are more so the Exclusive Type, meaning their exclusion from society. Nine tenths are male and are fascinated by preteen females, teenage males, or sometimes both. However, it is rarer for pedophiles to be attracted to both sexes (“Pedophilia and Fetishism”). Most paraphilic fantasies begin in late childhood or adolescence and continue throughout adult life. The intensity and occurrence of the fantasies are variable, and they usually decrease as people get older (“Pedophilia”). Some pedophiles offer rationalizations or excuses that enable them to avoid assuming responsibility for their actions. The children may be blamed for being too attractive or sexually provocative. The pedophiliac may also say that they are only teaching the child about love (Fleming). To a pedophiliac, a relationship with a child is much more fulfilling to their needs and relationship issues. Sex with children is free and daring; it enhances the pedophile’s magical sense of omnipotence and immunity, making him/her feel
Cited: Dr. Wagemaker, Herbert. “What is Pedophilia and why are child pedophiles such an epidemic?” National Alert Registry. 5 March 2003. 4 January 2010. <Http://www.registeredoffenderlist.org/what-is-pedophilia.htm.> Dr. Vaknin, Sam. “Pedophilia and Fetishism: Sexual paraphilias.” Philosophical Musings and Essays. 4 January 2010. <Http://samvak.tripod.com/pedophilia.html#Pedophilia>. Fleming Fallen, L., Fr., M.D., Dr. P.H. “Pedophilia.” Healthline. 2005. 4 January 2010. <Http://www.healthine.com/galecontent/pedophilia>. Thackery, Hellen. “Pedophilia.” The Gale Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders Volume 2. New York 2003. Thomson Gale. “Pedophilia.” Psychnet-uk. 21 July 2003. 4 January 2010. <Http://www.psychnet- uk.com/dsm-iv/pedophilia.htm>.