Abstract

This paper examined psycho-sociological implications of pedophilia on victims. Pedophilia, which is classified as abnormal sexual behavior, is the sexual attraction to prepubescent children (generally younger than 11). Pedophilia is a psychiatric disorder in which an adult or older adolescent experiences a primary or exclusive sexual attraction to prepubescent children. The exact causes of pedophilia have not been conclusively established. Some studies of pedophilia in child sex offenders have correlated it with various neurological abnormalities and psychological pathologies. A variety of theories have been proposed to explain why adults become sexually interested in and involved with children. All the theories appear to be directed to explaining emotional congruence, sexual arousal, blockage and disinhibition. The most obvious effect of pedophilia is psychological harm, which can manifest in many ways like physical well-being, family and intimate relationships, faith, education and career. Raising awareness of the unacceptability of child sexual abuse, and stopping child sexual abuse is everyone’s responsibility and rigorously evaluating and strengthening existing child sexual abuse prevention programmes will help to curb this act. Public health education, advocacy and an introduction of sexual abuse prevention education in schools and colleges is recommended to reduce the burden and ill health associated with child sexual abuse.