Definition of a Paedophile

[TEAK36]

I am not sure if this is the correct category.

My colleagues and I have just been having an interesting conversation regarding Paedophiles, and our definitions of a paedo differ greatly.

I would consider that someone over the age of 16 who sexually abused a small child a paedophile, but where do you draw the line with age? For example,would a 16 year old abusing a15 year old be considered a paedo?

Would a person who viewed child porn on the internet, but not directly abuse children be considered a paedo? I would say yes because by looking at the porn he/she is creating a demand for this type of thing to happen.Some of my colleagues consider this type of person to not be a paedo. Does being placed on the police sexual offenders list officially make someone a paedo?

Can any shed any light on what legally constitutes paedophillia?

[vehelpfulguy]

Not really answering your question, but giving an insight into paedophile behaviour.

There was an amazing program on Radio 4 the other day about a man who abused his own daughter, but then got help and managed to save his marriage. His wife and he (and daughter) are all still together after many years.

The program also dispels the notion that all paedophiles are monsters.

You can listen again here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/thechoice/

[Quizmonster]

Apparently, there is no legal definition of 'p�dophile' in English law.

[China Doll]

Sorry TEAK, I'm just about to go off on a tangent here....

If there's no legal definition then how can there be a law?

Sorry. I'm really not trying to be argumentative or start a debate or anything... It really is a genuine question.

[Quizmonster]

Click here, China Doll and scroll down to the section headed 'Paedophile Definition'. As you can see, it's an extract from Hansard reporting on the House of Lords in 1999. Unless things have changed in the intervening eight years, it's as I said...there is no definition of the actual word.
However, that does not stop the law from arresting, charging and convicting people for crimes such as "having sexual relations with a minor" and so forth...ie the word 'p�dophilia' is not actually used.

[China Doll]

Just read it. Thank you Quizmonster.

You learn something new everyday.

[Buenchico]

From a psychological perspective, rather than a legal one, a paedophile who is someone who is sexually attracted to pre-pubescent children. Therefore anyone (irrespective of their age) who is attracted to 'fully developed' teenagers (even though those teenagers might be only, say, 14 years old), is not strictly a paedophile, even though the media would probably use that label.

Chris

PS: I always think that the use of the word 'paedophile', to describe someone who lusts after children, is a mis-use of the English language. 'Phile' relates to 'love', not 'lust'. (e.g. a 'bibliophile' loves books; he doesn't seek to abuse them). If we used language correctly, paedophile' would be used to describe someone who genuinely loves children (e.g. Mother Theresa of Calcutta or Princess Diana). We already have a word for those who sexually abuse children; it's 'paedarast'.

[jno]

10 months for Chris Langham

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/699155 0.stm

I must say, it doesn't seem much

[Whickerman]

Here in Ireland the legal age is 17. If you're 17 and have sex with a 16 year old, you can indeed be charged. The term's used here for anyone who has sexual relations with anyone under 17, whether in person or on the net.