Pedophilia (sexual Assaults On Children): In The Mind Of The Pedophile
He sexual crime perhaps it is the most rejected type of crime in our society. Defenseless or weak victims such as children or women suffer a violation and transgression of the most intimate aspect of the person, taking them to the point of psychological torture most despicable and undeserved.
These news headlines are only a brief overview of the many sexual abuses committed against minors. According to Noguerol (2005), The reported cases are only one sixth of all existing ones. But really, how many sexual assaults and/or abuses of minors does our society suffer? What is pedophilia, what are its characteristics and typologies? and Is there a psychopathological profile for the pedophile?
Epidemiological data: sexual assaults on children (pedophilia and pedophilia)
It is alarming when professionals refer to epidemiological data. In 1998, a European seminar “Breaking Silences” was held in Valencia where it was concluded that 23% of girls and 15% of boys in Spain suffer various types of sexual abuse ; Of these, only 40% receive help. Between 7 and 13 years old is the most frequented age; and between 25 and 35% are less than 7 years old. For every minor boy victim of sexual abuse, there are 3 girl victims (Vázquez, 2004).
As with many other problems, we experience sexual abuse and assault as if it would never happen to us; neither to us, nor to those close to us. But as the statistics indicate; Sexual abuse of minors is a criminal act that, although quite frequent, remains mostly invisible. This means that it remains unreported and sometimes undisclosed to other person(s).
The relevance of addressing this issue is not only marked by the degrading and humiliating act, but also by its short, medium and long-term consequences. Variable consequences for each person, as well as differences between crimes. We talk about mode (like the typologies mentioned in the article), duration of the event or of the facts, degree of severity, the person who abuses (known, family member, figure of authority or trust, unknown), vulnerability of the victim… A series of variables that converge from the moment of the facts until after them, will lead to victims of very serious abuse to overcome it or not, as well as there being cases of minor abuse that remain internalized.
So, Each sexual abuse can cause a series of traumas sexual and emotional disorders that interfere and will interfere harmfully throughout the victim’s life. (In the video attached at the end of the article, we can come closer to understanding some of the traumas suffered by victims of sexual abuse during childhood).
Psychopathological personality profile of the pedophile
Approach to the concept, characteristics and types of pedophile acts
The pedophilia is a paraphilia where the adult feels sexual interest towards the minor. Currently, two types of pedophilia are distinguished: primary and secondary. The primary pedophiles They are characterized by avoiding and/or fearing sexual relations with adults, as well as difficulty interacting with their peers due to low self-esteem along with marked anger towards other adults. The secondary pedophiles On the contrary, they can have sexual relations with adults while fantasizing about children (Vázquez; 2005).
The diagnostic manual DSM-V (American Psychiatric Association, 2013) includes pedophilia in the section of paraphilic disorders; sexual attraction of adults towards minors. To be diagnosed with Pedophilic Disorder according to the DSM-IV, the person must meet the following criteria:
302.2 (F65.4). pedophilia disorder
Note: Do not include an individual in late adolescence who has a sexual relationship with another 12 or 13 year old individual.
Pedophilia is chronic from its beginning.
This is normally started in puberty or adolescence.
Pedophile profile
«According to the compilation of English and American studies carried out by Hollin (1989), sexual offenders are men violations are usually in the victim’s own home frequently at night and during the weekend” (Ortiz-Tallo, et al.; 2002). Garrido, conducted a study with sexual offenders where he concluded that sexual offenders presented a profile between 26-30 years old ; they had no skilled work; although they are schooled; mostly single; and only 20% had previously committed crimes.
Statistical data according to the Ministry of the Interior in December 1999 reveal that of 30,661 men imprisoned, 1,440 are serving sentences for the commission of sexual crimes. This is, 4.6% of all men They were due to a sexual crime. However, only 25 women of the 2,742 imprisoned were imprisoned for sexual crimes ; thus resulting in 0.91% of the total number of women. This small number of women is what leads numerous investigations into sexual crimes (such as studies on pedophilia) to focus on samples with men. (Ortiz-Tallo, et al.; 2002). According to Vázquez (2005), women as sexual aggressors of children are anecdotal; being implicated in these crimes as accomplices by way of submission by others. In sum, for every 1 minor boy victim of sexual abuse, there are 3 girl victims (Vázquez, 2004).
Although every pedophile has his preferences regarding the characteristics of the children (ages, gender), its course is chronic from its beginning ; This onset normally occurs during the pedophile’s puberty and adolescence (although some may develop it in more adult stages). Vázquez (2005) states that more and more adolescents are aggressors of minor children.
Another marked characteristic of the pedophile is his cognitive distortions or wrong thoughts dedicated to justify your behavior deflected. The chronicity of the disorder, together with the cognitive distortions and the interpersonal relationship established between the child and the pedophile (manipulative and destructive; consequently lacking resistance) usually leads to a sexual abuse of a minor insidious and progressive. By progressive, we mean that, unfortunately, this type of abuse continues over time, increasing the severity of the events progressively. Contrary to what can happen in sexual assaults on adults, where it usually occurs punctually, limited in time and between strangers. The pedophile usually knows his minor victim and abuses that relationship (there are few cases of abuse of unknown minors).
The actions of the pedophile
Types of sexual acts on children carried out by pedophiles:
Pedophiles, unlike abusers or sexual aggressors of adult victims, they don’t use force. Pedophiles follow a series of strategies of psychic manipulations towards the child, thus getting him/her involved in sexual activity. These strategies can manifest themselves through attraction: sympathy, buying or giving things, showing excessive interest, or displaying childish behaviors. Many of them justify these acts by giving educational value or pleasure to children, that is, they propose that the child needs this learning or pleasure for her own good. This reveals the manipulative nature of pedophiles.
1. Clinical study: Psychological profile of sexual offenders
Ortiz-Tallo, et al. (2002), argue that sexual offenders with adults have a different nature than pedophiles. In sexual crime with adults, rape usually occurs through intimidation or force (unlike what usually happens with children). So with adults, there is greater violence; Thus, behavior and personality similar to those imprisoned for assaults and robberies with intimidation are expected in adult sexual offenders.
In a comparative study between three groups: sexual crimes against adults, sexual crimes against children and non-sexual crimes, Ortiz-Tallo et al. (2002) found the following results:
The group of non-sexual offenders presented a profile of more altered personality and of greater severity, along with a greater consumption of alcohol and drugs than sexual offenders (adults and minors).
The group of minor sexual offenders was shown to be the group with fewer personality disorders. Scoring higher in dependent, phobic and compulsive personality traits.
Pedophiles have fewer personality disorders and less severe personality traits than other types of sex offenders.
Ortiz-Tallo et al. (2002) describe pedophiles as people with interaction difficulties; who seek social acceptance; they fear rejection, contempt and/or humiliation from their peers; with difficulties in assuming mature and independent roles and responsibilities.
They are people with more good little ability to empathize and intimidate ; incapable or with great difficulty establishing an emotional relationship with adults leading them to resort to deviant emotional and sexual relationships with minors. Therefore, therapeutic strategies should be aimed at improving their social skills as well as reducing their social withdrawal and fear of interpersonal relationships between equals.
2. Literature review: Personality pathology in pedophiles
Although there are few studies in this field and their results are extremely inconclusive, Becerra-García (2013) presents in a current review the predominant personality traits and disorders among pedophiles according to different clinical tests. In summary, we can highlight the personality of the pedophile compared to control groups:
Higher scores on the scales incoherence, psychopathic deviation, paranoia, schizophrenia and obsessiveness. Using less mature coping mechanisms.
Highest scores in obsession and sexual dysfunction. Pedophiles who had been sexually victimized in childhood showed higher levels of hostility, sexual dysfunction, personal distress, and lower empathy toward their victims than those who had not suffered sexual abuse.
The emotional suffering of pedophiles is related to their high levels of neuroticism and cognitive distortions about childhood sexuality with its obsessive features.
Higher levels of neuroticism and rigidity. But less impulsive behavior and ability to satisfy their needs than violent offenders.
Higher scores on scales borderline personality histrionic and especially in the obsessive-compulsive.
They present a style of less secure attachment (avoidant and anxious-ambivalent style), than the control group.
The authors find a marked personality pathology in pedophiles: lack of assertiveness elevated sociopathy and cognitive distortions; and they find deviations in their sexual behavior: alterations in excitement, discrimination, desire and inhibition in thinking.
Testimonies from victims of sexual abuse
In 2003, almost 4,000 cases of child abuse were registered, making up almost half of the final percentage of existing cases. In this documentary, victims will speak about the harmful consequences they have suffered as a result of the abuse they suffered in their childhood.
Bibliographic references:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Reference guide to the DSM-V diagnostic criteria ᵀᴹ. Madrid: Panamericana.
Becerra-García, JA (2013). Is there a characteristic profile of personality psychopathology in pedophilia? Notebooks of psychosomatic medicine and liaison psychiatry(105), 5.
Ortiz-Tallo, M., Sánchez, LM, & Cardenal, V. (2002). Psychological profile of sexual offenders. A clinical study with Th. Millon’s MCMI-II. Journal of Psychiatry of the Faculty of Medicine of Barcelona29(3), 144-152.
Vázquez, B. (2005). Manual of forensic psychology. Madrid, Ed. Synthesis.
