Exploitation of Children

Children are sexually exploited for many reasons. Many offenders who harm children are pedophiles. The American Psychiatric Association defines a pedophile as a person who over at least a 6-month period of time has recurrent, intense sexually arousing [Page 155]fantasies, sexual urges, and/or behaviors involving sexual activity with a prepubescent child or children (ages 13 years or younger). Such fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of day-to-day functioning. The person inflicting this behavior is, by definition, at least 16 years of age and at least 5 years older than the child victim. This does not include a late adolescent who is involved in an ongoing sexual relationship with a 12- or 13-year-old individual, either heterosexual or gay.

Individuals afflicted with pedophilia generally report an attraction to children of a particular age range. Some individuals prefer males, others prefer females, and some are aroused by both males and females. Pedophilia involving female victims tends to be reported more than crimes involving male victims. In today's world, children are often faced with situations that can turn volatile without warning. Children by nature are trusting and demonstrate a desire to learn new things. When a child associates with an adult pedophile who is sexually stimulated by child pornography, the offender may seem to be a very caring, gentle, and safe person.

Pedophiles tend to be adult males and often appear to be hardworking, overly religious, and well liked by both parents and children. They tend to be better educated, and a pedophile teacher is often the most popular teacher in the school. This is part of the grooming process that wins the trust of both adults and children. Pedophiles actively seek out children who are quiet, needy, or have problems at home. They will give great attention to several different children whom they do not abuse, attempting to build a sense of trust with parents and teachers in an educational setting. Music teachers and coaches are often in a position to be one-on-one with students, and they accomplish their seduction gradually, without coercion.

Parents should be aware of certain warning signs, such as the child suddenly not wanting to go to school or changes in the child's behavior or academic performance. The child may demonstrate abrupt mood changes, aggressive behavior, and withdrawal from family and friends. Sometimes, a child comes home with new toys, clothes, or money that is unexplained, or they demonstrate age-inappropriate sexual behavior.