Chapter 9 - Prevention

CHAPTER 9 SUMMARY

The range of options for pedophilic individuals who are not involved with the criminal justice system is much narrower than for those identified because of sexual offenses and depends on their volition. The client and persons close to him (spouse, family members, close friends) should be educated about pedophilia and the potential risk to children.

This kind of clear and open communication is likely to be challenging, given the strong, negative reactions that persons with pedophilia face in society (…), but the support and monitoring that can be provided by these persons could be very helpful in preventing future sexual offenses against children (recall the Circles of Support and Accountability model).

An important prevention component would teach bystanders to intervene and target situational factors that increase the risk of sexual offending (situational crime prevention): effective parental supervision, guardianship of responsible adults, and school-based education for children, especially vulnerable children.