Between one and three percent of people are estimated to have paedophilic tendencies, most of them men, though women are not excluded. However, only a small fraction – around one or two in ten – go on to act on those urges. Psychiatrist and psychotherapist Marc Graas explains in conversation with RTL that the way individuals manage such inclinations varies greatly depending on their personality and sense of morality.
The subject of paedophilia has returned to the spotlight following the public exposure of a recent case of sexual violence against a minor. The outrage intensified when the convicted perpetrator presented himself in a Luxemburger Wort article on 23 May in a way that aligned with how he had behaved during trial: he admitted to his actions but saw himself as the real victim, showing no empathy for the minor harmed by his behaviour.
Read also: Advocacy groups denounce newspaper for platforming presumed child sex abuserGraas emphasises that paedophilia, from a clinical perspective, is a sexual preference directed at children, typically under the age of 10 to 12, though in some cases extending to teenagers up to 15 or even 18. Crucially, he notes that this is not a conscious choice – no one chooses to be attracted to children. Rather, it is seen as an innate disposition.
Whether someone merely harbours such tendencies or acts on them depends largely on their empathy and ethical awareness, according to Graas. Some individuals are fully aware of the harm such behaviour would cause and make a concerted effort to suppress these urges. Others, lacking empathy and inhibitions, are more likely to follow through.
Despite these behavioural differences, there is no singular psychological profile for paedophiles. The deciding factor tends to be how they manage and respond to their impulses, states Graas. He further explains that in some cases, individuals structure their lives around these feelings, even choosing careers that bring them into contact with children and teenagers.
Others, however, learn to cope and avoid situations that might put them or others at risk, according to Graas.
Very few people with paedophilic tendencies seek professional help, according to Graas. He notes that he occasionally sees patients who have been referred by the courts, but for most people, seeking support is immensely difficult due to the intense shame and social stigma associated with the condition.
Being labelled as paedophilic can result in total social exclusion – what he refers to as a “social death sentence”. This is why it is essential to have safe, confidential spaces where those affected can speak openly about their struggles.
According to Graas, Luxembourg still has progress to make in this area, especially when it comes to accessible psychiatric care – waiting lists are long, and suitable support structures are limited. Often, individuals with these tendencies cannot turn to friends or family and are left alone with their impulses.
In such cases, Graas notes that therapy can help develop strategies to manage these urges, whether through behavioural training or mindfulness techniques. The real challenge, however, is that many individuals who go on to commit offences are often the least likely to have the insight or motivation needed to engage in therapy, frequently lacking both empathy and the will to change, according to Graas.
When asked what should be done with such offenders, Graas stresses that prison still has a deterrent effect. Once sentenced, many convicted paedophiles are cautious not to re-offend. Moreover, judicial authorities generally ensure that these individuals are not allowed to work with children or young people in the future, he explains.
While prison may not instil empathy, it can reinforce the consequences of repeat offences and discourage future violations, according to Graas.
In Graas’ view, prevention begins with educating children – teaching them that certain types of physical contact are not acceptable, and encouraging them to report any uncomfortable or inappropriate behaviour immediately. The difficulty, he explains, is that abuse often occurs within families or through trusted individuals, which leaves children feeling isolated and unsure how to process or communicate what has happened.
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