Letter in Justice of the Peace

Need for research into paedophilia

172 JPN (16 Aug 2008). 535

Doc. No. 2008.022 JPN016L

Page 535

Dear Editor,

The article on paedophilia by Dr Ludwig F. Lowenstein at p. 505 ante is highly opportune. He says there is ‘a need for research’ and ‘much work to be done’, finally repeating that ‘further research is required’. I have for years been saying things of this sort, with no effect.

As Dr Lowenstein says, it cannot be assumed that paedophilia is based on choice. He considers the paedophiliac is driven:

‘ Essentially paedophiles have great difficulty . . . in avoiding being involved in sexual activities with children despite the censures of society.’

As Dr Lowenstein suggests, the paedophile has an obsessive-compulsive need, a form of addiction which is strengthened by repetition of the illegal acts. The fact that in gratifying or resisting that need he exercises choice obviously does not mean that the whole syndrome is based on choice. One has no choice over being a paedophile.

The truth is that this problem exists on a huge scale, and adversely affects a large number of children and others. It should be examined, as such problems used to be routinely examined, by a Royal Commission or equivalent. They should investigate in particular the cause(s) of paedophilia and possible treatments including, as Dr Lowenstein says, some form of genetic manipulation.

Francis Bennion