Treating Pedophiles.

Treating individuals implies cure, or at least implies that efforts are being made to make someone better. In psychology, specifically forensic psychology this is frequently an uphill battle, that many times ends in defeat, and failure. First and foremost we must recognize that humans have a morbid curiosity about the criminally insane. Man has been drawn to the trauma, and the gore from the beginning of time. The extreme, the horrific, draws intrigue and discussion.  The media feeds on this primordial response, for the primary reason of cashing in on money. Jack the Ripper, Dahmer, Charles Manson, Ted Bundy, and recently Catholic priests have drawn media attention and we as a society read, discuss and become glued to the television. There is a part of us that enjoys this grotesque behavior or at least a morbid curiosity, not for the sense of gore, and horrific events, however it is for the absence of pathology in us. We feel a little bit more normal when comparing ourselves to the extremely disturbed. When we watch a movie we frequently transpose ourselves unconsciously and consciously, whether it be the hero or the villain.

Pedophiles have one of the highest relapse rates of any sex offender, this includes rapists, exhibitionists, and those with extreme fetishes. There have been treatments of chemical castration, intense behavior modification, and long term therapy and group therapy. As controversial as it may seem public embarrassment through neighborhood watch, and state wide acknowledgement has been mildly successful. In other words the public, schools, neighborhoods, all need to be made aware of names, and addresses of the pedophile. This only works if the the state and local law enforcement takes it seriously and follow through when there are complaints from the community.

In summation, there is not a lot of hope for treating pedophiles. Recidivism rates are very high, and the cycle of abuse  continues. One of my biggest pet peeves is when health care providers write an article about the treatment of a disorder, and the reader expects some answers and there are no answers, but content on description. Well this author just expounded on that very pet peeve. In psychopathology it is very easy to discuss signs and symptoms, however treatment is extremely difficult. Incarceration clearly helps, educating the victims and children to please, speak up. Incarceration can only last for so long, and there is only so much space. I do not have the answers, I can say that this issue will continue to be debated and frustrations will continue to be voiced. This morning the Catholic church were stating the media is attacking the church, and pedophilia is not the issue. Really? More denial. Who ever the advisors are for the church, they need to resign immediately for their mouth is clearly harming the church more. Pedophiles must take responsibility for their actions, and even when they do, they still frequently re-offend.

What can we do. Believe your children, support your children, call the authorities, create a safe environment early on for your children so they feel comfortable in disclosing. Pedophiles will always be around, however we can empower our children and ourselves. As a family, community, and country we can get stronger and more verbal. Silence will swallow up self esteem, and keep the chains locked, it will bind our wings and we will never learn to fly. Once a child or an adult learns the benefit of truth the winds of freedom and empowerment are there for you always.

For more information please go to: http://www.peaceandhealing.com/