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Objective: This study aims to identify the common characteristics of pedophiles, preventive measures against sexual violence towards children, necessary support after incidents of sexual violence, and the underlying factors contributing to both becoming a pedophile and victimization by pedophiles. The research focuses on understanding these aspects to develop comprehensive strategies for prevention, intervention, and support. Methods and Materials: This qualitative research was conducted in Karaj, Iran, involving experts in psychiatry and law who specialize in sexual violence by pedophiles. A total of 10 participants, including 5 psychiatric experts and 5 legal experts, were selected through snowball sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews until theoretical saturation was achieved. NVivo software was utilized for organizing and analyzing the qualitative data. The Delphi technique was employed in a multi-stage process to achieve consensus among experts on the identified sub-dimensions and operational indicators. Findings: The study identified several common characteristics among pedophiles, such as medical history, psychological issues, family problems, and criminal records. Preventive measures included enhancing knowledge and awareness, implementing control measures, defining family boundaries, and strengthening legal punishments. Necessary support for victims emphasized appropriate parental reactions, counseling, and empathy. Underlying factors contributing to pedophilia and victimization were categorized into economic, social, and cultural influences. The study also found that comprehensive educational programs targeting both children and parents and holistic support systems are crucial in addressing the issue. Conclusion: Addressing pedophilia and child sexual violence requires a multifaceted approach that includes prevention, intervention, and support strategies. By understanding the characteristics of pedophiles, implementing effective preventive measures, and providing necessary support to victims, the impact of this crime can be mitigated. Strengthening family and community support systems and incorporating culturally sensitive approaches are essential in creating a safer environment for children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Childhood is the most sensitive and influential period of every person's life because different physical and psychological dimensions of the child are forming and interacting in childhood and adolescence. Therefore, maintaining and ensuring the child's growth and physical and mental health is of great importance. This is even though when these children are subjected to violence, it will have negative effects on the child and society. In the meantime, sexual violence against children by pedophiles in different ways is a serious issue for all countries that require consideration at the national and transnational levels. Therefore, in this study, identifying the characteristics of pedophile people and underlying factors in becoming a pedophile and becoming a victim of this phenomenon is the main subject of this study. The statistical population of this study includes all experts and professionals active in the field of psychiatry and law who specialize in topics related to sexual violence of pedophiles, and 235 of them were randomly selected. The research tool is a researcher-made questionnaire based on 47 questions, and the desired model is fitted based on PLS. The obtained results indicate that factors such as personality disorder, depression, suicide, alcohol and drug use, family problems, mental-psychological problems, and medical history are among the common characteristics of pedophiles. Educational and control measures, educational factors and criminal punishment are the proposed solutions for prevention and economic, social and cultural factors are among the underlying factors in becoming a pedophile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incarceration is a popular method of dealing with violent offenders. However, incarceration does not rehabilitate many violent offenders and often increases recidivism, which suggests a need for different interventions. Because public opinion has an important influence on the criminal justice system, we compared attitudes toward two alternative interventions and incarceration. These alternative interventions were brain-based treatments (i.e. neuronormalization) and psychological therapies. In two experiments, participants were randomly assigned to one of these three interventions and answered questions about their use with violent offenders in general and two severely violent cases: a domestic violence homicide offender and a child sex offender. For violent offenders in general, participants were more positive toward neuronormalization and psychological therapies than incarceration. However, when evaluating the two severely violent cases, participants were most positive toward incarceration. These findings highlight that people were generally amenable to alternative treatments for violent offenders, but these attitudes flipped in favor of incarceration when confronted with serious individual cases of violence. Our findings suggest that disseminating evidence for the effectiveness of alternative treatments may eventually lead to positive attitudes and policy change. Doing so could simultaneously lead to lower rates of incarceration and recidivism and create safer communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pedophilia and the victimization of children are widespread and deeply troubling social dilemmas that urgently require attention due to their devastating impact on society and on the well-being of innocent victims. Considering the sensitivity of the issue, medical professionals need to comprehend pedophilia, its prevalence, and the traits of pedophiles. Current study was carried out to construct an indigenous tool to assess the pedophilic interest in child sex offenders. Sample comprised of 210 male sex offenders of age 18 years above. Purposive sampling was used to collect data from different district jails of Punjab. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed by using orthogonal rotation (varimax) on 22 item through SPSS as factor extraction technique and 16 items were retained. Convergent and discriminant validity was examined among 50 participants, using Pearson product-moment correlations of raw scores from the Quality of life scale (QoL) and Screening Scale for Pedophilic Interests (SSPI) for the valid examinees. The SSPI scale positively correlated with PIS (r= .40, p < .01). The QoL scale negatively correlated with PIS (r =-.52, p < .01). Furthermore, Cronbach Alpha (a) reliability coefficient of the 16 item Pedophilic Interest Scale (PSI) had an excellent internal consistency (16 items; a =. 94). Thus, current indigenous scale can be used in with other assessment measures for assessing pedophilic interest in the forensic population. This scale will provide vital resources for future academics and practitioners working in the field of mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The belief that consuming violent media will lead someone to commit violence is a longstanding societal concern. This concern manifests in the phenomenon of 'antis' within fandoms, which began to emerge around 2016. Initially driven by shipping conflicts, the issue of social justice and the increasing use of social media have allowed this phenomenon to spread easily across various fandoms worldwide. Antis' behavior can be seen as a form of moral panic in several ways: by associating pro-shippers-those who do not agree that consuming violent content will turn someone into a perpetrator or supporter of violence-with sexual offenders and pedophiles, antis use an 'us versus them' mentality to uphold their moral standards and portray themselves as the most moral group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suicide represents a significant public health problem, with around 800,000 deaths per year worldwide and up to 20 times as many episodes of self-harm and suicide attempts. Members of stigmatized groups may experience increased risk of suicide due in part to stigma-related factors, such as expectations of rejection, internalization of negative stereotypes, or potential for greater social isolation. Research suggests that adults who are attracted to children face extreme stigma, even those who do not commit sexual crimes involving children. Adults who are attracted to children also experience significantly increased risk for suicidal ideation and behavior (SIB) compared to general population samples. The current study sought to explore experiences with SIB among adults attracted to children to better understand factors underlying suicidality in this population. The lead author conducted semi-structured interviews in a community sample of 15 adults attracted to children who self-reported some form of SIB in their lifetime. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, the lead author explored and interpreted interview data to generate themes driven by respondents' characterizations of their SIB. Superordinate themes related to suicidality in this sample included low self-esteem or self-worth, cumulative impacts of the attraction and other stressors, and concerns about the ability to have a positive future due to the attraction. Findings underscore the importance of addressing internalized stigma, treating problems like depression and social isolation, and instilling hope for the future to promote mental health and prevent SIB among adults attracted to children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of malware in criminal investigations might be expanding. While "police hacking" is often publicized as used almost solely against pedophiles on the Dark Web, revelations from Israel on extensive police use of malware for a variety of criminal suspects might suggest that more intrusive forms of police hacking may emerge anywhere. Equipped with a wiretap warrant and malware, Israeli police forces can legally bypass encryption and directly obtain content and metadata from the device and its linked apps, turn on a suspect's camera or microphone, and essentially gain full access to the past and present of suspects. While the scope of police hacking in the U.S. is currently unknown, as this Article further argues, the legal framework that governs "search," access to stored communications and wiretaps could authorize such a practice much like in Israel, although it was never designed to do so. This obsolete framework to properly govern the use of malware by enforcement agencies must be updated and reconfigured. While reflecting on Frank Easterbrook's famous "law of the horse" argument, this Article suggests that trojan horses (malware) must be directly and individually regulated, especially in the realm of criminal law enforcement. This Article explores the history and legality of police hacking under the current legal framework. It then examines the impact of such practice on human rights, human liberties, and other externalities stemming from its use. It moves to propose a blueprint for policymakers on how to regulate police hacking properly, not before placing an almost absolute moratorium on its use until such regulation occurs. Police hacking should be allowed in some circumstances and under a rigorous, semi-technological oversight regime, as this Article suggests, but more importantly, such policymaking is crucial to draw a clear line for when it cannot be used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pre-sentence psychological assessments of men who have sexually offended can provide useful information regarding an individual's pathway to offending, risk of recidivism, and treatment needs. The outcome of the assessment can be used in court and has implications for the assessee and society at large. This research sought to explore offenders' opinions regarding the clinicians' approach to the assessment, to identify facilitative aspects of the clinicians' style and to understand how accuracy and honesty can be enhanced in these interactions. Six interviews were conducted with sex offenders on completion of a pre-sentence forensic assessment at a private practice. Applying Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, the findings highlighted the relational nature of the assessments, the assessees' feelings of powerlessness, and their perceptions that the interaction helped them personally. The findings and approach advocated for by the assessees are discussed in terms of the associated ethical considerations and practice implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persons convicted of sexual offenses (PCSOs) hold distorted attitudes and beliefs, or rationalizations that minimize the severity of their offending. Despite this, knowledge of rationalizations held by PCSOs remains limited, especially for offenders who report being sexually abused as children. The purpose of the study was to qualitatively assess post-conviction rationalizations of PCSOs who reported childhood sexual abuse (n = 40) and those who reported no sexual abuse (n = 40) focusing on account variations—a framework proposed by Scott & Lyman. Offenders were interviewed and assessed for risk and community notification purposes in 2014 in a southern state. The manner in which PCSOs use rationalizations to avert responsibility for their offenses provides insight into their motivations for offending, and therefore, can inform treatment initiatives for PCSOs with and without histories of sexual victimization. Results can help inform differentiated treatment for those with histories of sexual abuse and those without. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to describe the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) of perpetrators of sexual violence of children and adolescents and their relationship with the abusers' personal and situational factors (n = 30). Hence, a database composed of the transcripts of interviews was analyzed using content analysis, from which thematic categories emerged as proposed by the Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ). Physical abuse was the most frequently reported (70%). Sexual abuse was reported by almost half of the sample, which presented an increased risk in the face of the death and/or divorce of parents (RR = 4.21) and emotional neglect (RR = 3.2). In addition, the participants with higher ACE-Scores abused children more recurrently and less frequently consumed alcohol or other drugs. The interpretation of the results in light of the literature reinforces the hypothesis that the consequences of adversities during childhood are associated with a higher likelihood of becoming a victim throughout life and manifesting risky behaviors, such as aggressive sexual behavior. Future studies are suggested to apply the ACE-IQ to larger samples and implement a post-test to contribute to more effective interventions to treat this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moskalenko and Bloom convincingly link the cognitive rewards of the QAnon conspiracy with its mass appeal, highlighting how "QDrops" effectively gamify content dissemination. In I Pastels and Pedophiles i , Mia Bloom and Sofia Moskalenko effectively map the metastatic spread of QAnon from its forum board beginnings to its now international infamy. Whilst the publisher's blurb of I Pastels and Pedophiles i describes how "women, who identify as members of 'pastel QAnon,'" have assisted in mainstreaming the conspiracy, the word "pastel" is not mentioned until page 58. [Extracted from the article]

Identifying the self-perceptions of child sexual exploitation material (CSEM) consumers compared to a reference population of non-consumers is critical in establishing distorted cognitions that may not be elucidated when comparison is made with groups who have committed other offenses. This exploratory work utilizes a quantitative approach toward identifying how individuals previously convicted of child pornography offenses view CSEM and CSEM offending, using a group of non-offenders as a baseline. The target group was selected based on their inclusion in two sex offender registries for child pornography offenses (n = 78). A reference group of non-offenders (n = 254) was gender-matched from a subset of a prior study evaluating the public perceptions of CSEM. Both groups were adults located within the United States and were asked questions using an online survey about their general perceptions of CSEM, their endorsement of CSEM beliefs, and their opinions related to the legality of various forms of CSEM and associated laws and sentencing guidelines. The study found that CSEM consumers more accurately assessed risks associated with CSEM offending, but that they exhibited potential minimization-based cognitive distortions related to severity and victimization and more strongly endorsed child erotica and virtual child pornography being legal. Additionally, they endorsed treatment over prison, and were strongly opposed to sex offender registration for child pornography offenses. The results provide potential treatment targets, including behavioral areas that may be pathways to CSEM offending. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coates's contention that internalized prohibitions against thoughts do not significantly compromise our mental freedom will apply equally to all such prohibitions if it applies to any. However, even if some such argument is forthcoming, there will remain a question about Coates's more important claim that internalized prohibitions against thoughts are no more threatening to mental freedom than mere reasons not to think them. By contrast, Swenson's challenge to my claim that prohibitions against thoughts can never be justified is restricted to the version of that claim that concerns harmful thoughts. In his response to my book, Philip Swenson presents some compelling consequentialist counterexamples to the first claim, while Justin Coates mounts a more ecumenical but no less formidable challenge to the second. [Extracted from the article]

Alfred Adler diagnosed and treated offenders who committed sex crimes against persons and objects. Although he formulated clinical judgments about the causes of sexual deviance and paraphilia (e.g., lack of social interest), he did not elaborate on the variations that exist within the class of adult child molesters and their behavioral characteristics. In this article, we build on the initial observations that Adler made about the personality characteristics of sex offenders by analyzing the offense behaviors of male-on-male child molesters using the archival accounts of the "perversion files" released by The Boy Scouts of America between 1960s and 1990s. We link the offenders' offense characteristics—how adult child molesters go about committing their sex crimes against boy victims—to their personality characteristics, thereby providing an empirical bite to the claims that Adler made from his examination of numerous patients. We demonstrate how the conclusions that Adler inferred about adult child molesters—that they possess a distorted private logic, enact a false sense of courage and heroism, and act cowardly—are embodied in their offense characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I first became aware of the book in November 2021 when Dr. Walker was put on administrative leave by Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, where they were working in a tenure-track faculty position in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, following media and public outrage that Walker was allegedly trying to normalize pedophilia or advocate child sexual abuse (see [2]; [5]). Walker agreed to step down from Old Dominion in May 2022 (see Old Dominion University and Dr. Allyn Walker's, [6]). Walker, Allyn A Long, Dark Shadow: Minor-Attracted People and Their Pursuit of Dignity, University of California Press: Oakland, 2021; 221 pp.: ISBN 978-0-520-30634-9, $29.95 (pbk) Allyn Walker's book I A Long, Dark Shadow: Minor-Attracted People and Their Pursuit of Dignity i (University of California Press 2021) is the product of their doctoral research in Criminal Justice at City University of New York. [Extracted from the article]

Sexual delinquency is a global problem where those with paraphilic disorders, such as paedophiles, are more likely to commit and reoffend. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has been suggested as a solution. The objective of this narrative review is to present current information on its risks, benefits and limitations as a treatment for paraphilias. The importance of testosterone in sexual function, the effect of its deficiency by age or by pharmacological treatment (anti‐androgens, GnRH agonists and GnRH antagonists) and the effect of testosterone replacement therapy will be reviewed. The relationship between androgens, brain, sexual behaviour and pathophysiology of paraphilic disorders will also be explored. ADT reduces sexual urges, but has adverse effects and, because its reversible nature, it does not ensure less recidivism. Likewise, the research quality of ADT drugs is limited and not enough to support their use. Child sex offenders, and not paraphilic subjects who have not committed assaults, show signs of elevated prenatal exposure to androgens and a higher methylation state of the androgen receptor gene. Sexual behaviour is regulated by subcortical (hypothalamus, brainstem and spinal cord) and cortical structures of the brain, in addition to brain circuits (dopaminergic, serotonergic). Those with paraphilic disorders show abnormalities at these levels that could relate to the risk of sexual offences. In conclusion, androgens represent a significant part of the pathophysiology of paraphilias and therefore, ADT seems promising. Nonetheless, more studies are needed to make definite conclusions about the efficacy of long‐term ADT in paraphilic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dans le discours populaire, pédophile et agresseur sexuel d'enfant sont généralement compris comme étant des synonymes : les pédophiles seraient des individus qui ont commis une agression sexuelle sur un enfant et les agresseurs sexuels d'enfants seraient nécessairement des individus ayant une préférence sexuelle pour les enfants. Bien que les études antérieures aient mis en évidence que la préférence sexuelle envers les enfants joue un rôle important dans le processus de passage à l'acte et la récidive des individus, elle constitue un facteur parmi d'autres (ex.: manque d'empathie, distorsions cognitives). Dans le cadre de cet entretien, les chercheurs apportent quelques nuances en, notamment, délimitant plusieurs concepts tels que celui d'agression sexuelle d'enfant et en abordant : les différents types de délits sexuels, les caractéristiques et les profils des agresseurs sexuels d'enfant et les différences entre la pédophilie et l'agression sexuelle d'enfants. Les chercheurs terminent en présentant le concept de pédophile abstinent , soit un individu ayant une préférence sexuelle envers les enfants, mais qui n'a jamais commis d'infraction sexuelle. Les chercheurs présentent les ressources qui s'offrent à ce type d'individus, les difficultés qu'ils peuvent vivre au quotidien et proposent des pistes de réflexion en matière d'accompagnement et de traitement. In popular discourse, the terms pedophile and child sex. offender are generally understood to be synonymous : pedophiles are considered to be individuals who have sexually assaulted a child and child sex. offenders are necessarily defined as individuals with a sexual preference for children. Although previous studies have shown that sexual preference for children plays an important role in the offending process and in recidivism, it is but one factor among others (e.g. lack of empathy, cognitive distortions). In this interview, the researchers provide some nuance by, among other things, delimiting several concepts such as child sexual abuse and by addressing the different types of sexual offenses, the characteristics and profiles of child sexual offenders and the differences between pedophilia and child sexual abuse. The researchers conclude by introducing the concept of the non-offending pedophile, an individual with a sexual preference towards children but who has never committed a sexual offense. The researchers discuss the resources available to this type of individual, the difficulties they may experience on a daily basis and suggest areas of further reflection in terms of support and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to explore the interference effects of sexual interest on viewing reaction time and cognitive functioning, in a group of sexual offenders. In order to test this hypothesis, 31 rapists, 27 child molesters, 53 control males and 24 control females, were given with a PC a viewing reaction time task while being distracted with photos of semi-nude males and females of various ages and other stimuli. In the second part of the experiment, the subjects were instructed to attempt to recall whether or not the photograph had been presented during the first part or whether it was novel. The results showed that extra-familial child molesters had their longest viewing times with the photos of girls, intra-familial child molesters and control women with the photos of adolescent females, and rapists and control males with the photos of women. The pattern of errors during the incidental learning task yielded several interesting findings. Intra- and extra-familial child molesters showed the best recognition with the photos of boys and adolescents males. Especially, extra-familial child molesters showed the best recognition with photos of boys, despite having looked at them for the shortest period of time, probably because of defensiveness. In general, the profile of child molesters seems to be between that of the control males’ and the control females’ profile, while the rapists’ profile seems to have many common features with the control males’ profile. In summary, viewing reaction time, in combination with incidental learning tasks, can serve as an unobtrusive measure of males’ sexual interests. The results of this study encourage the development and use of such techniques in epidemiological studies, as well as on professionals working with children. Important note For the research needs and requirements, this is the open access and full version of the experiment, as derived after permission from: Giotakos O. (2005) Europ. J. of Sexol; Sexologies; (XIV), 54 : 13-20

Police are becoming increasingly responsible for monitoring convicted child sex offenders in the community. A Rapid Evidence Assessment was undertaken to capture 'what works' and what 'shows promise' in existing and emerging, innovative policing practices. A total of 920 searches were performed across five databases, spanning the last 5 years. After removal of duplicates and those that did not meet inclusion criteria, 61 articles were analysed. Two key strategies, with sub-strategies, emerged: (1) formalised, targeted management and (2) technology-assisted management. An adapted 'EMMIE' framework presents the 'effects', the overarching 'mechanisms' and 'moderators' of success, and 'implementation' considerations for effective practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) is not a recent phenomenon. However, it increased visibility in Portugal in 2002, when a news piece raised suspicions about numerous public figures. Since then, there has been an upward trend in complaints and has stabilized in recent years. Nevertheless, even though the research emerging, it presents gaps in the characteristics and modus operandi of the child sex offenders in the Portuguese context. This article presents an exploratory study, where 66 case reports of inmates in Portugal (Lisbon District) were convicted for CSA crimes recorded in the last ten years. We used the Multiple Correspondence Analysis and Cluster Analysis as statistical procedures, focusing on the dynamics of the offense, context, number of victims, relationship, and characteristics of the offense. With this analysis, we identified four distinct profiles, which occurs with both techniques. In addition, we found differences regarding the use of aggressivity and/or treating during or after the offense, nature of abuse and introduced the crime admission as an active variable, with contributions to the model definition. According to these results and international literature, we defined our groups in four types: Regressed, Indiscriminate, Inadequate, and Violent. We discuss our results based on the international models and demonstrate affinities with them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background DSM-5 provided a dimensional model of personality disorders which may be more clinically informative for the assessment and management of prisoners than a categorical one, as diagnoses of personality disorders alone cannot explain the type of violence. The role of DSM-5 personality facets is however understudied in child molesters, and no study compared these clinical features between individuals who have committed sex crime against children and those who have committed other types of crime. The present study compared DSM-5 personality trait facets between prisoners who had committed sex crime against children, prisoners who had committed property crime (i.e., robbery, fraud) and those who had committed crime against the person (i.e., homicide, assault or violence not implying a sexual element). A further aim was to explore which facets were associated with sex crime against children as compared with the other types of crime, controlling for socio-demographics (age, gender), psychiatric comorbidity (presence of any psychiatric diagnoses) and general psychopathy traits. Methods One hundred sixty-seven prisoners participated (91 had committed sex crime against children, 25 property crime, and 51 committed a crime against the person) and completed the Personality Inventory for the DSM-5 and the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised. Results Prisoners who had committed sex crime against children reported higher Restricted Affectivity traits than those who had committed property crime and crime against the person and higher Irresponsibility traits than those who had committed property crime. The results of a multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that on the one hand being a man, having a higher age, and the presence of a psychiatric comorbidity were more likely to be related to sex crime than property crime, on the other hand higher Irresponsibility personality traits, being a man, and the presence of a psychiatric comorbidity were more likely to be related to sex crime against children than crime against the person. Conclusions The Irresponsibility facet might be specific to child molesters and can differentiate this group from offenders who have committed other crime types. This facet might be considered a key target of a tailored assessment and treatment planning during clinical practice with child molesters.

Effective classification of individuals who commit sexual offences is important for their assessment, treatment, and risk management. Victim age has often been used as a distinguishing factor between perpetrators. This study aimed to analyse the distinctive psychopathological and criminological characteristics of contact sexual offenders with adult and minor victims. The study involved 97 adult males who were serving a prison sentence in Spain for at least one contact sexual offence against an adult or a minor. Researchers gathered data on criminological variables concerning the offender, victim, and modus operandi from prison records and interviews. Participants completed the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III) in a second session, and between-group differences were analysed. Sex offenders with minor victims (SOMV) had significantly lower scores than sex offenders with adult victims (SOAV) on the Antisocial (r = −0.283, p =.005) and Sadistic (r = −0.209, p =.04) personality subscales, and on the Alcohol (r = −0.426, p <.001) and Drug dependence (r = −0.332, p =.001) syndrome subscales. SOAV were also more likely to use violence and/or intimidation, use a weapon, offend against female victims, offend against an intimate partner, commit their offences in public places, serve other ongoing prison sentences, and report a history of alcohol and substance abuse. SOMV were older and more likely to offend against family members. These results suggest that there are key differences between SOAV and SOMV that should be considered in tailored prevention programmes for each subgroup of offenders. • This study analysed the psychopathological/criminological traits of sex offenders. • Participants were divided into two groups by victim's age (adult vs. minor). • Sex offenders with minor victims scored lower in antisocial and sadistic traits. • Those with adult victims were more likely to use violence and offend their partner. • These results should be translated into tailored prevention programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an online survey of 274 self-identified child-attracted persons (CAPs), we examined the attraction ratings given to sets of 9 physical and 12 psychological features of children, and asked CAPs to identify additional features that were not listed. We also examined the relationships between these attraction ratings and attraction to children dimensions (age mono-/polymorphism, exclusivity of attraction to children, and gender attraction), history of falling in love with a child, and detected sexual offending history. There was relatively little differentiation across physical features and psychological features; all averages were approximately 4 or higher on a 5-point scale. Attraction ratings were mostly weakly and inconsistently related to our other study variables. The exception was that CAPs who had fallen in love with a child rated 11 out of 12 psychological features as more attractive than CAPs who had not fallen in love with a child, with small to moderate effect sizes. These two groups did not differ in ratings for physical features. Our qualitative content analysis of participant-suggested features revealed six physical themes (inter alia, face and head, children's bodies) and five psychological themes (inter alia, personality, harmlessness) that were important to CAPs' attraction to children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first Italian study to examine views on sexbots of adult male sex offenders and non-offenders, and their perceptions of sexbots as sexual partners, and sexbots as a means to prevent sexual violence. In order to explore these aspects 344 adult males were involved in the study. The study carried out two types of comparisons. 100 male sex offenders were compared with 244 male non-offenders. Also, sex offenders were divided into child molesters and rapists. Preliminary findings suggest that sex offenders were less open than non-offenders to sexbots, showed a lower acceptance of them, and were more likely to dismiss the possibility of having an intimate and sexual relationship with a sexbot. Sex offenders were also less likely than non-offenders to believe that the risk of sexual violence against people could be reduced if a sexbot was used in the treatment of sex offenders. No differences were found between child molesters and rapists. Though no definitive conclusion can be drawn about what role sexbots might play in the prevention and treatment of sex offending, this study emphasizes the importance of both exploring how sexbots are both perceived and understood. Sex offenders in this study showed a high dynamic sexual risk and, paradoxically, despite, or because of, their sexual deviance (e.g. deficits in sexual self-regulation), they were more inclined to see sexbots as just machines and were reluctant to imagine them as social agents, i.e. as intimate or sexual arousal partners. How sex offenders differ in their dynamic risk and criminal careers can inform experts about the mechanisms that take place and can challenge their engagement in treatment and intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]