One in six Australian men willing to sexually contact a child, study finds

Accident – Death – Obituary News : New Study Reveals Disturbing Statistics on Child Sexual Offending Behavior Among Australian Men

A recent study conducted by UNSW Sydney and Jesuit Social Services has shed light on the alarming prevalence of child sexual offending behavior among Australian men. The study, which surveyed 1,945 men aged over 18, uncovered shocking statistics that indicate a worrying trend within society.

According to the findings, approximately one in six Australian men (15.1%) admitted that they would engage in sexual contact with a child or teenager under the age of 18 if they could do so without being discovered. This revelation is deeply concerning and highlights the urgent need for proactive measures to protect vulnerable children.

The study also revealed that around one in ten (9.4%) Australian men have sexually offended against children. Of this group, approximately half (4.9%) reported having sexual feelings towards children, while others engaged in offending behavior for situational or opportunistic reasons. Astonishingly, nearly 30% of men with sexual feelings towards children expressed a desire for help, suggesting a potential avenue for intervention and prevention.

Contrary to popular belief, the study found that the 4.9% of men with sexual feelings and a history of offending against children were not societal outcasts or statistical outliers. Instead, they were more likely to work with children, be married, have higher levels of social support, earn higher incomes, and even be victims of child sexual abuse themselves. These findings challenge preconceived notions about the profile of individuals attracted to children and emphasize the importance of understanding and addressing the issue holistically.

The researchers also acknowledged certain limitations of the study. The majority of participants identified as white (64.8%), were born in Australia (64.4%), and identified as heterosexual (92.8%). Consequently, it is possible that individuals from specific minority populations may not have had equal opportunities or inclination to participate, potentially impacting the representativeness of the findings.

Paedophilia, a diagnosis assigned to adults who exhibit a recurrent and intense sexual attraction to prepubescent children (generally aged 13 or under), is a significant concern. The majority of paedophiles are male, with estimates suggesting that between 3% and 5% of adult males have paedophilic disorder. The prevalence of paedophilic disorder in women is believed to be lower.

Contrary to speculation that paedophilia is on the rise, the new data indicates that previous sampling strategies may have been flawed. Previous studies often targeted individuals who had either survived child sexual abuse or had been found guilty of offences, resulting in a skewed sample that did not accurately reflect broader attitudes and behaviors. However, the advent of the internet has made it easier for paedophiles to act on their desires and access child sexual abuse material or groom children anonymously from a distance.

While paedophilia cannot be cured, it can be treated through hormone medication therapies, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), and psychosocial methods such as group therapy. Testosterone-lowering drugs have shown promising results in reducing sexual interests and behaviors associated with paedophilic disorder. Additionally, CBT has been found to be effective in reducing hypersexuality in paedophiles, aiming to change thoughts and behaviors related to paedophilia and ultimately reduce the desire to offend against children.

Protecting children from predatory individuals remains a significant challenge. However, as parents, guardians, and a broader community, there are measures that can be put in place to safeguard children. The study recommends improving the safety of online dating sites to reduce the likelihood of predators targeting single parents for access to children. It also emphasizes the need for increased safeguards in environments where children are vulnerable, such as daycare centers and sporting clubs. Furthermore, support for men who are sexually attracted to children but seek help should be expanded through organizations like StopItNow, while family and friend groups should be aware of concerning behaviors and offer support.

Education plays a crucial role in protecting children, particularly in teaching them about online safety and providing avenues for reporting concerns. Ultimately, society must take a proactive approach to protect children and create an environment where child sexual offending behavior is not tolerated.

Sources:
– Psychology of a paedophile: why are some people attracted to children?
– We need to support paedophiles to prevent child sex offending
– We started a service for people worried about their sexual thoughts about children. Here’s what we found.