NCJ Number
109301
Date Published
1988
Length
18 pages
Annotation
After profiling types of child molesters, this paper identifies the general characteristics of one type of child molester, the pedophile, and discusses how the pedophile is likely to react upon being charged and prosecuted for child sexual abuse.
Abstract
Kenneth Lanning of the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit has identified five types of child molesters. They are the situational molester, who does not seek out victims but takes advantage of an opportunity; the psychopathic molester, who has no sense of right or wrong; the 'try sexual' molester, who will try any form of sexual activity and is seeking variety; the preferential molester, who prefers sex with children; and 'The Saint,' a pedophile who has developed a reputation for serving the youth of the community. General characteristics of pedophiles are that they have a number of victims; show an excessive interest in children; have access to children; have an active association with religion; have the appearance of being respectable; and collect child-oriented material, including child pornography. When confronted or charged with child molestation, pedophiles deny their behavior and seek support for their respectability and innocence from friends, relatives, and coworkers. When the evidence is substantial, they will tend to blame the victim or claim to have been under severe stress or an irresistible impulse. The defense in court in the face of convincing evidence of the offense is often a claim that this is unusual behavior for the defendant, that it will not happen again, and that the defendant is predominantly a respectable 'pillar' of the community. The paper concludes by presenting a classic case of pedophilia. 8 notes and 8 references.