Purtabo said:
Ragsnstitches said:
I don't think it's possible to quantify the number of paedophiles, only the number of offenders. I'm pretty sure there are people out their who are aware of the obscenity of their attraction, but have no where to turn for help due to the hysteria over it. And they likely hate themselves for it despite never indulging it.
I'd say Paedophilia ranks more as a mental/chemical disorder then anything else.
Yeah, I can't imagine the hell some people go through if the whole crossed wires thing is true; and they can't help it. Although of course since it is intrinsically a violent act, it is not acceptable in the least. Ergo, no matter if the person can help it or not, they are a detriment to society if they act on their impulses; and must be imprisoned for the good of the society.
There might also be a correlation to sociopathy, whereby the individual doesn't comprehend or lacks empathy to even consider the consequences.
But at the same time, even psychopaths have to see the damage in raping a child...
Right, a distinction must be made:
Psychopathy is more like a mental break. The person functioned fine, then under some form of stress or pressure, snaps and whatever psychotic act ensues.
A psychopath might commit a mureder or rape someone, it may be instantaneous or premeditated, but are more likely to feel guilt or fear repercussions.
Sociopathy are people who are literally missing key triggers in their brain. This manifests in the form of complete lack of empathy (literally, impossible for them to comprehend) or an unnatural air of selfishness (not loving one self per say, but being completely incapable of caring for others). There many other forms of sociopath beyond these 2 distinctions.
A sociopath can be incapable of considering the impact he/she has on others or might not even view others with any form of humanity (seeing them as things or objects, not living individuals). These people can be very dangerous. More often then not, these are the folks who become serial killers/rapists.
So, a psychopath might feel guilt, a sociopath is unlikely to even register remorse.
....
As for you remark on them being a danger to society. Well yes. Doesn't mean they don't deserve the same chance to rehabilitate as other criminals. At the moment they just get demonised and are disposed of, out of sight out of mind. But of course, it isn't out of mind... unless some form of help is offered, there will always be offenders.
It's all well and good reacting to these crimes, but what about prevention? If people felt they could confide with someone that would offer support, wouldn't that do more to stop future offences then forcing them further and further into reclusion?
It's obvious that crime and punishment only works so far. Prevention is essential, and that comes from understanding the people behind the crimes, and helping them where possible.