Incorrect use of the word 'pedophilia'
Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 2:45 am
The disclaimer on your splash page says that AB/DL has "nothing to do with pedophilia or any other immoral, violent act." But paedophilia is a sexual orientation focused on children, not an act:
I suggest you correct your terminology so as not to further the demonization of a large group of innocent people.
~ Ralph Underwager and Hollida Wakefield, in Coping With Psychiatric and Psychological Testimony (Institute for Psychological Therapies)Although the terms are often used interchangeably, a distinction must be made between “sex offender against a minor” and “pedophile.” The former refers to a criminal sexual behavior and the latter to an anomalous sexual preference. Many pedophiles never act on their impulses.
~ Peter Fagan, et al., in Pedophilia (Journal of the American Medical Association)Terms such as ‘child sexual abuse’, ‘incest’, ‘child molestation’ and ‘pederasty’ are not equivalent to pedophilia. Terms that denote sex with minors are criminal actions; pedophilia is the sexual attraction to children. Not all who sexually abuse minors are pedophilic. For example, some who sexually abuse minors may opportunistically select minors simply because they are available. Sex with a minor is not, ipso facto a determination of pedophilia. Also, not all individuals who fulfill the diagnostic criteria for pedophilia actually abuse children.
I suggest you correct your terminology so as not to further the demonization of a large group of innocent people.