Study: Paedophiles avoid seeking help due to fear of being exposed
Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2025 4:59 pm
https://www.sciencenorway.no/crime-ment ... ed/2559449
How can sexual abuse against children be prevented? And is it possible to treat those who commit abuse?
These are the questions Agatha Chronos explored in her doctoral thesis on the prevention of sexual abuse against children at the University of Bergen.
Her research shows that people with sexual attraction to children often live with severe stress, anxiety, and depression.
Many want help – but the fear of being exposed and met with rejection makes them afraid to seek treatment.
The key to reducing this barrier appears to be therapists who approach them with empathy and expertise.
This can be confirmed by psychologist specialist and researcher Pål Grøndal. He says that the enormous stigma tied to paedophilia can stand in the way of treatment.