Secret of abuse that shames all societies
Susan Hope-Borland reveals that paedophilia is as old as mankind
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Your support makes all the difference.A hundred years ago child abuse remained hidden, with Freudian theory a great influence. When there were reports of child sex abuse it was put down to female hysteria reflecting psychological problems on the parts of the victims.
It is only in the past 10 to 15 years that we have begun to believe that sexual abuse of children exists. The climate has changed as social attitudes have changed, and people have had less difficulty in disclosing what has happened to them. The mechanisms to deal with them have also been put in place. Therapists have come to realise the long term effects of child abuse and develop knowledge about them.
It is impossible to say why attitudes did change. It would have to be highly speculative but I think it would have something to do with changes in women's situations, their role, perceptions of their sexuality and also changes in the law such as the recognition of marital rape.
When the question comes up as to whether sex offenders should be able to live in the community, it is difficult to answer. Sex offenders are not a homogeneous group. They differ widely in their problems, attitudes and offending patterns.
With some offenders there is a validity in not allowing them to live in the community in order to protect children. But in some cases the offence was many years ago and they may have had extensive treatment and may no longer pose a serious risk. But they are still worried that they will be subject to hostility and are very afraid.
It is difficult to say if cases of child abuse are rising, partly because reporting has got so much better, but also it is impossible to say accurately how many children are abused because even today there is so much that still remains hidden.
Paedophilia has been found in every society throughout history but there are contrasts in how seriously each took it and what action was taken. In some cultures paedophilia was not seen as wrong. Certainly there are well-documented reports that amongst tribes in New Guinea paedophilia was considered acceptable. And the definition of paedophilia itself has changed. For example, at one time it was considered normal for people to be given in marriage at the age of 12.
5 Susan Hope-Borland is an expert on paedophilia and consultant clinical psychologist with the North Wales Forensic Service.
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