Pedophilia

Not all who sexually abuse minors are pedophilic (Fagan, Schmidt, Wise, Berlin, 2002). The use of the Greek term itself despite the implications of its Greek etymology, stated by [e.g., Glaser (1998) "pedophilia is not a love of children but a lust for them" (p. 163). ] .
             For example some who sexually abuse children may opportunistically select minors simply because they are available. Sex with a minor is not a determination of pedophilia. Also, not all individuals who fulfill the diagnostic criteria for pedophilia actually abuse children (Kear-Colwell and Sawle, 2001). .
             Possibly such fantasies and being distressed by them is sufficient to meet diagnostic criteria. An individual with pedophilia is not a sexual offender unless he or she commits a legally prescribed act (Kear-Colwell and Sawle, 1996). While the psychiatric disorder may be limited to fantasies, and impulses, the pedophilic behaviors are the primary concern of mental health and criminal justice systems (Glaser, 1998). In pedophilic behaviors (similar to those reported for child molestation) we can expect that offending individually usually begins in the middle to late teen years, while others may act on attraction in middle adulthood (Glaser, 1998).
             Typically, fondling and genital exposure are performed: while oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse are less frequent progressions of pedophilic behavior (Kear-Colwell and Sawle, 2001). Many pedophilic individuals report they feel affection toward children. The true pedophile is drawn to children not merely incidentally but exclusively (Kluger, 2002). Pedophiles who prefer prepubescent often court them with the ardor of a suitor, lavishing attention, praise and gifts on the child they have chosen (Kluger, 2002). Typically they tell themselves that the relationship is a mutually beneficial one; something they believe until the child reaches puberty, and the pedophile suddenly loses interest (Rosenberg, 2002).