NCJ Number
196250
Journal
Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology Volume: 17 Issue: 1 Dated: Spring 2002 Pages: 36-51
Date Published
2002
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study characterizes men who have engaged in habitual sexual conduct with children, i.e., pedophiles.
Abstract
This paper first reviews statistics on sex offenders in 1994. There were approximately 234,000 offenders convicted of rape or sexual assault under the jurisdiction of correctional agencies, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. The median age of the victims of imprisoned sexual assaulters was less than 13 years old. Offenders who had victimized a child were on average 5 years older than the violent offenders who had committed their crimes against adults. Legislation that focuses on sex offenders is also reviewed in this paper. Control strategies and personality tests used with sex offenders are described as well. This is followed by profiles of three convicted sex offenders who victimized children. The literature review coupled with the three case studies show that pedophilia is a way of life, in that pedophiles are constantly setting people up, even after apprehension, trial, and conviction. Manipulation is part of their character in all interactions with others. They will persistently seek contact with children while avoiding professional counselors who are not fooled by their manipulative tactics. Pedophiles use their manipulative skills to victimize children, tending to use children's natural curiosity about sexuality to exploit them. 51 references