Nigerian Media - Paedophilia: Separating the disorder from the crime

[Jim Burton]

https://tribuneonlineng.com/paedophilia ... the-crime/

Last week, we explored voyeurism, a paraphilic disorder where a person experiences sexual arousal from observing others who are naked, undressing, or engaging in s3xual activity—without the knowledge or consent of those being watched. It’s important to note that voyeurism is not just “curiosity” or “peeking”; it’s a persistent pattern of behaviour that can cause distress for the person and is legally and ethically problematic because it violates the privacy of others. We discussed the psychological experiences of individuals affected, the internal conflict many feel, and the importance of seeking professional help rather than letting these urges translate into harmful actions.

This week, we turn our attention to paedophilia, the most common and widely misunderstood paraphilic disorder. In doing so, we will also explore an important distinction: how to differentiate criminal behaviour from a mental health disorder, understand when professional support is needed, and discuss safe ways for individuals to seek help.

Paedophilia is defined as a persistent s3xual attraction to prepubescent children, typically 13 years or younger. It is a mental health disorder, not simply “bad behaviour” or a moral failing. Understanding paedophilia as a disorder does not excuse harmful acts; rather, it allows society to approach the subject with clarity, separating the condition from the crimes that can sometimes occur as a result. Many individuals with paedophilic tendencies experience distress, shame, and fear precisely because they recognise that their attractions are socially unacceptable and illegal. This internal struggle is an essential piece of the human story behind the disorder.