| Pedophilia
falls under the general category of paraphilias, “abnormal or unnatural attraction.”
Pedophilia is defined as the act or fantasy of engaging in sexual activity with
prepubertal children as the preferred or exclusive method of achieving sexual
excitement. Pedophiles vary as to how well they can relate to adults of the opposite
sex (usually pedophiles are males, who may be attracted to males, females or both). While
pedophilia is illegal and harmful to the victims, the offenders are apt to delude
themselves into viewing their actions are beneficial to the children, i.e., they
are contributing to the children’s development or the children are enjoying
the acts; however, they will be sure to tell the children not to alert their parents
or authorities to the activities. Pedophilia is the most commonly occurring
form of paraphilia with an estimated 20% of American children having been sexually
molested. Often, offenders are known to the children rather than being strangers,
i.e., they are usually family friends or relatives. Types of activities vary and
may include only looking at a child or undressing and touching a child; however,
usually acts involve oral sex or touching of genitals of the child or offender.
Studies suggest that children who are lonely or uncared for may be at higher risk
for becoming victims of pedophilia (Morrison, 1995). | | Exhibitionism
falls under the general category of paraphilias, “abnormal or unnatural attraction.”
Exhibitionism involves exposing one's genitals or sexual organs to a stranger.
It is a sexual disorder. While often joked about, in reality, exhibitionism is
a very serious behavior that can be frightening to the victim. These patients
are typically male while their victims are female adults or children, usually
unsuspecting strangers. Exhibitionism involves nonconsenting persons. Sometimes
the exhibitionist masturbates while exposing himself or herself, but makes no
further attempt at sexual activity with the stranger. An exhibitionist is not
seeking physical contact and will not commit rape, although some rapists may show
signs of exhibitionism as well. An exhibitionist is sexually aroused by the shock
or surprise of the victim. Exhibitionist behavior frequently will occur around
times of stress or when the patient has free time (Morrison, 1995). | | | | |
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