Paedophilia is described as sexual feelings directed towards children, or to be more specific, persistent, focused, and intense sexual interest in prepubescent children (typically up to 13 years of age).

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) published by the American Psychiatric Association, this attraction can manifest in a range of behaviours, from sexual thoughts and fantasies to the commission of sexual acts with a child.

Despite the sensitive nature of this topic, it is important to understand paedophilia, as it can have significant and lasting consequences for victims and other people involved.

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What is paedophilia?

The term paedophilia is often used interchangeably with child molestation, but there is a distinction between the two. Paedophilia refers to the attraction to children, while child molestation involves actual sexual contact with a child, according to John Hopkins University researchers.

Not all paedophiles act on their attraction, and not all child molesters are paedophiles.

Paedophilia is considered a mental disorder, and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) lists it as a paraphilic disorder.

It is believed to have a biological basis, with some research suggesting that paedophiles may have differences in brain structure or function compared to non-paedophiles.

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Despite its status as a mental disorder, paedophilia is still a crime if acted upon.

Sexual acts with a child are illegal in most countries and can result in severe legal consequences for the perpetrator.

In addition, sexual abuse can have long-lasting psychological effects on the victim, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

What does research say?

In recent years, a growing number of professionals, including psychologists and forensic experts, have conducted research on paedophilia, which is characterised as a condition marked by recurring and intense sexual fantasies, urges, or behaviours involving prepubescent children, as per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

By delving deeply into the life histories of patients and using a variety of psychological and anatomical measures, these experts have gained insights into the nature of the disorder.

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Although no study has been able to offer a complete picture of paedophilia, a clearer understanding is beginning to emerge.

This understanding sheds light on the psychological factors that underlie the increase in abuse images and the growing severity of such depictions. Furthermore, it challenges prevalent stereotypes about the nature of paedophilia and the risks associated with engaging in physical abuse.

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The majority of convicted offenders who engage in paedophilic behaviour are men who target children aged 6 to 17 years old. However, women also commit hands-on offences, and studies suggest that paedophilic attraction rates in both men and women are estimated to be around one to four per cent.

A small group of male and female paedophiles appear to be interested in toddlers, and in some cases, even infants.

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How do we protect our children from individuals with paedophilic tendencies?

Chantal Mudahogora, a senior clinical counsellor at Solid Minds, a Kigali-based counselling clinic, says, "The number one effective approach to prevent exploitation of children by individuals with paedophilic tendencies is to educate children at a very young age, as young as two to three years old.

"When the mother or a family member gives a child a bath, the child needs to be told that no one is supposed to touch their private areas,” she said.

How is it treated?

"It is hard to predict who has paedophilic traits until they are caught abusing or attempting to abuse children,” says Mudahogora.

According to her, not everyone suffering from inhibitory dysfunction is a paedophile.

She says, "There are many reasons why adults abuse children, so, it is hard to tell why it happens until the abuser gets a psychological assessment.”

Treatment for paedophilia is challenging, as it involves addressing both the attraction to children and the potential for harm to children.

Some therapies, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, can help paedophiles manage their attraction and avoid acting on it.

Other approaches, such as medication, may also be used to reduce sexual drive or manage other associated mental health conditions.

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Despite the challenges of treating paedophilia, it is important to recognise that individuals who experience this attraction are not inherently bad people. No one should be ashamed to seek help for any abnormal behaviours or mental health challenges.

"Regarding stigma reduction, Rwandan society must understand that the same way we take care of other body organs like the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. The brain also is an organ which needs to be taken care of,” Mudahogora said, adding, "Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.”

In Rwanda, the number of defilement cases continues to rise year after year, says Agnes Muhongerwa, Head of the gender-based violence unit at the National Public Prosecution Authority.

Muhongerwa reported that from 2019 to 2020, the number of defilement cases was over 3,700, increasing to more than 5,200 in 2021. Between July and December 2022, there were 2,208 cases.

"The number of cases is usually lower than the number of victims because those who commit defilement usually defile more than one child. This is a real issue in society that people should recognise and keep in mind,” Muhongerwa added.

Prevention

"Even with their busy schedules, parents need to be more involved in what their children do and how they spend their time. Know who your children are with, I personally discourage sleepovers,” counsels Marie Uwimana, a mother-of-three and Gisozi resident.

We live in an age where the exploitation of children is on the rise, so parents have to be more vigilant. Paedophiles are known to target children whose parents don’t pay much attention to them.

"Listen to your instinct, and teach your children to listen to theirs. If something seems off, there is a chance it is. Intuition is designed to protect us from danger, so it’s important that children understand this,” Uwimana adds.