Is it fair to assume that the vast majority of people who sexually abuse a minor relative (& particularly a young child) are pedophiles? If not, why do they engage in this clearly harmful behaviour?
Thanks to all who answer.
Thanks to all who answer.
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I would say it is a safe assumption that the vast majority of people who sexually abuse young minors are pedophiles. There are very few reasons beyond a sexual desire for children that would cause someone to do that. The only one I have ever heard of is where it was believed the abuser was mainly seeking revenge against the parent of the child. In that case the person is most likely a sociopath (an individual mostly incapable of empathy, who asks strictly in their own self-interest).
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I was sexually abused as a minor and would NEVER abuse anyone sexually. I know what damage it does, and besides that I have no desire for children. That being said, alot of the abused become abusers, probably because they want to steal the innocence that was stolen from them.
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The definition of paedophile says that anyone who sexually abuses a child is a paedophile.
Most children that are sexually abused are abused by someone who is in their family or whom they see on a regular basis.
Most children that are sexually abused are abused by someone who is in their family or whom they see on a regular basis.