NCJ Number
104703
Journal
Corrective and Social Psychiatry and Journal of Behavior Technology Methods and Therapy Volume: 33 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1987) Pages: 137-144
Date Published
1987
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Sexual abuse of children, a widespread problem that has existed throughout history, will continue through the foreseeable future.
Abstract
Reliable statistics do not exist, both because of underreporting and because reports from victims of child molestation are often viewed with suspicion. However, an estimated 100,000 to 500,000 American children will be molested this year. The typical child molester is generally an acquaintance or relative and is often an immature, passive, dependent, nonpsychotic man whose own childhood was characterized by poverty, alcoholism, a repressive mother, and a physically abusive father. Ninety percent of all pedophiles are men. The five categories of sexual offenses against children range from exhibitionism and voyeurism to forcible rape. Historically, pedophilia has occurred in early Judaic, Christian, and Greek cultures as well as in more recent periods. Today, child prostitution and child pornography are profitable ventures for the underground business community. Although imprisonment, therapy, and the drug Depo-Provera have all been tried as treatments for child molesters, experts note that pedophilia can be controlled but not cured. Researchers urge prevention measures, such as parenting classes for all males, as the main approach for dealing with this problem. 9 references.