ABSTRACT
What is pedophilia? It is a carnal attraction to, erotic fondness for, or sexual preference for a child. Pedophiles can target any boy or girl (or both), from an infant to a teenager. e average age that appeals to pedophiles is children between 10 and 12 years old who are just beginning puberty. Pedophiles covet a child who is inexperienced sexually. eir sexual attraction is o¦en characterized by lust or infatuation for a child that may o¦en lead into a variety of sexual acts that include molestation and intercourse, o¦en against the child’s will. Pedophiles will try to develop a relationship with a child by enhancing his or her self-esteem. ey will try to seek out a shy, withdrawn, and nonconfrontational child who comes from a troubled environment at home. Pedophiles are unique individuals who o¦en work with children or come into daily contact with them-for example, someone who volunteers as a coach, mentor, scout leader, tutor, or in any capacity where he is unsupervised with a child in a normal capacity that does not o¦en raise suspicion.
