Pedophilia

People with pedophilia have fantasies, urges or behaviors that involve illegal sexual activity with a prepubescent child or children (generally age 13 years or younger).

Pedophilic behavior includes undressing the child, encouraging the child to watch the abuser masturbate, touching or fondling the child's genitals and forcefully performing sexual acts on the child.

Some pedophiles are sexually attracted to children only (exclusive pedophiles) and are not attracted to adults at all.

Some pedophiles limit their activity to their own children or close relatives (incest), while others victimize other children.

Predatory pedophiles may use force or threaten their victims if they disclose the abuse.

Health care providers are legally bound to report such abuse of minors.

</P> This activity constitutes rape and is a felony offense punishable by imprisonment.