This report on a study of child pornography and pedophilia discusses the scope and nature of pedophile-oriented child sexual abuse, particularly child pornography, and recommends Federal actions to combat such child abuse.
The study, which began in early 1984, involved interviews with some 200 people in more than 30 States, a review of relevant documents, and public hearings. The study concludes that child pornography plays a central role in conduct, assists in seducing their victims, and provides a means to blackmail the victims to prevent exposure. Child pornography is a small percentage of the pornography market and is not significantly influenced by organized crime. Child pornography is difficult to obtain at adult bookstores, and the U.S. Customs Service's seizures of imported child pornography has declined since late 1984 due to increased diplomatic and law enforcement pressure. The membership of known pedophile support groups in the United States is probably less than 2,000. 'Child sex rings' do exist, however, and participants pose a serious threat to children. The 1984 Federal Child Protection Act has increased the number of prosecutions and convictions related to child pornography. The study recommends banning the advertising of child pornography and child prostitution, increasing pressure on foreign pornographers, and creating regional child sexual exploitation task forces. Appended study correspondence.