4 Percent of the General Population Have Pedophilic Urges - Assignment Example

The term can also be used to refer to a person who fantasizes about, or experiences sexual urges toward children whether or not they act on these fantasies or urges. It has been estimated that about 4 percent of the general population has pedophilic urges.

People with pedophilic disorder display certain symptoms. First, they are characterized by recurrent, intense sexually arousing fantasies, urges, or behaviors in children of 13 years and below, which last for over 6 months. The fantasies, urge or behaviors lead to clinically significant distress and social or occupational impairments. It can also affect other important areas of functioning such as the mind. Pedophiles are mostly over the age of 16 years old and also at least 5 years older than their victims (children. However, these symptoms do not include individuals in late adolescence who are involved in sexual relationships with 11, 12, or 13-year-olds (Sperry, Carlson, Duba & Sperry, 2014).

In addition, they are not always attracted to one particular child but to children who are of 13 years of age and below. This means that they are capable of hurting many people because of this disorder (Bradford, 2014).

Some States require that pedophiles remain incarcerated after their sentence ends if they have not completed treatment for their condition. Extending incarceration is unethical because, even though it serves the purpose of protecting the public, it distances these people from others in society. There are other ways of ensuring that they complete their treatment for instance assigning them supervisors to ensure that they continue with their treatment and engage in good behavior. It is unethical to incarcerate a person because of a disorder that can be treated without incarceration and all States should not implement such a move. Read More