Who is a paedophile?

[Big Al1st]

When does someone, in the legal sense, become a paedophile. If I get any aswers to this question I will elaborate further as the answers I hope will not be affected by any of my views. It is a subject I feel strongly about, but note I am not one!

Rgds Al

[*Zeus*]

Preys on kids. I know people like Graham Rix are convicted as sex offenders coz he slept with a 15 year old girl, who went out clubbin. But I would say people who actively seek underage kids.

[Ethel]

As soon as that person has sexual intimacy with a person under 16, or grooms that person with the intention of having sexual intimacy - although the latter is very difficult to prove.

Taking intimate photos of a child, exposing oneself to a child or any molestation of a sexual nature will be regarded as sex crimes.

[Big Al1st]

Nice one WM

[Silversky]

But, are they still a paedophile if the sexual intercourse "request" is accepted by the person under 16? (There is a word for accepting sex, but I can't think of the word.)

I know it's still illegal but would they still be considered a paedophile?

[Ethel]

A minor (under 16) cannot legally consent to sex, even if s/he actively seeks it.

It is statutory rape. This is to protect the child.

[Silversky]

So who's right Because Ethel said about under 16s cannot give consent and Ward~Minter said under 13s?

[Silversky]

Wrote my post to late...

[IggyB]

I do not believe there is a legal definition of the word paedophile as it is not a term used within any specific crimes e.g. instead crime would be worded along the lines of sexual offences against children etc.

However the word itself is is used to describe the following characteristics
- a sexual interest toward children who are prepubescent
- the sexual interest is the primary one, i. e. exclusively or mainly toward children
- the sexual interest remains over time

the word is often incorrectly used to describe those that sleep with people under the age of consent in the uk (e.g. the example of a man sleeping with a 15 year old) however this is not a correct usage of the word when considering the characteristics above.

[Silversky]

I Think I agree with IggyB, But also the idea that say like a 15 year old would have some idea with what they were doing, and if they gave consent and their is such evidence for that reason, then it shouldn't be considered paedophila.

[Ethel]

Interesting chart in this link:

http://www.avert.org/aofconsent.htm

[Ethel]

This link is quite simplistic, aimed at children, but clearly defines statutory rape.

[Ethel]

Here's the link I forgot in previous post:

http://www.connexionsinsheffield.org.uk/health /sexualhealth_iss_youngpeop.html

[Silversky]

Why is it different for boys and girls. If a man over 24 then they will be found guilty and get sent to prison, even if the girl gave her consent.

Whereas the woman who has underage sex with a boy, can only be done for indecent assult, which surely is a lesser offence/ jail sentence than the man and underage girl.

Surely thats wrong, and seems sexist?