What is the Difference Between Grooming and Pedophilia?
- Pattreya Riwthong
- Apr 2
- 21 min read
Updated: Apr 3
Many people may wonder about the difference between grooming and pedophilia—are they illegal? Do they require medical treatment? This article has the Comparison answers!
(Comparison table is shown in the below.)
One of the most severe dangers affecting children both physically and mentally is online child sexual exploitation, a serious crime. According to crime statistics from January 1 to December 31, 2024, there were 346 reported cases, with most victims being 118 girls aged 8-14, 74 girls aged 15-17 and 7 boys aged 8-14.
Beyond the physical abuse, child victims often suffer from victim-blaming, which damages their reputation and mental well-being. Additionally, perpetrators use various tactics to lure children, such as impersonating celebrities on social media making digital-age crimes even more dangerous.
Grooming and pedophilia are two key terms directly related to child sexual crimes. Understanding the difference between these two concepts provides a clearer picture of predatory behaviors and offenders’ motivations.
· Grooming is the process used by offenders to gain a child’s trust and exert control over them before committing sexual abuse.
· Pedophilia, on the other hand, is a psychological condition characterized by a sexual attraction to prepubescent children.
While not all groomers are pedophiles, and not all pedophiles commit crimes, when these two factors overlap, the risk of child sexual abuse increases significantly.
This article aims to compare grooming and pedophilia to clarify their behavioral differences, motivations, and social impact. Therefore, distinguishing between these behaviors and understanding the underlying motivations is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies and enforcing child protection laws.
Grooming (Child Sexual Grooming)
Definition
Grooming is a process in which an adult manipulates or lures a child into a romantic or sexual relationship by gradually earning their trust and lowering their defenses. The perpetrator makes the child feel comfortable and normalizes inappropriate sexual behavior, often using various deceptive tactics to override moral and social barriers that would otherwise protect the child from abuse.
Pedophilia may be one factor influencing grooming behavior, but it is not the sole cause.
Causes of Grooming Behavior
While there is no single cause for child grooming, certain factors make children more vulnerable to being targeted.
Why Children Become Victims | Why Adults Engage in Grooming |
Lack of Awareness - Limited knowledge, making them easy to deceive. - Unaware that certain behaviors are unnatural or inappropriate. - Less likely to resist inappropriate behavior compared to adults.่ | Emotional Deficiencies - Feeling unloved or rejected by peers. - Lack of social acceptance, particularly in male-dominated societies where they feel powerless. |
Emotional Vulnerability - Weak relationships with parents. - Lack of supervision from guardians. - Feelings of neglect, loneliness, or being unwanted. - Social isolation. | Psychological Factors Some offenders were victims of childhood abuse themselves, leading to psychological and behavioral consequences. |
Fear and Shame Keep Victims Silent
- Fear of retaliation. - Feelings of shame. - Misunderstanding that they are at fault. | Mental Health Struggles - High levels of stress. - Low self-esteem. |
Grooming thrives in secrecy, as children often feel powerless to report abuse due to fear, guilt, or shame. Understanding these vulnerabilities is key to preventing child exploitation and strengthening child protection measures.
The Behavior and Stages of Child Grooming
1. Victim Selection
Predators target children who are more vulnerable, such as:
Those who trust others easily
Those with low self-confidence
Those who are socially isolated or lack emotional support
2. Creating Opportunities & Isolation
Predators try to spend time alone with the child by:
Gaining the trust of family members
Damaging the child's relationship with parents or guardians
Making the child believe that only the predator truly understands and cares for them
3. Building Trust
To lower a child's defenses, predators may:
Act kindly and attentively
Give compliments and make the child feel special
Offer gifts, rewards, or special privileges
4. Establishing a Bond & Normalizing Abuse
Once trust is established, predators gradually introduce inappropriate behavior by:
Using seemingly innocent physical contact
Making sexual jokes or using inappropriate language
Encouraging the child to expose their body or talk about sexual topics
Showing pornography or initiating a secretive relationship
5. Control & Manipulation
To prevent the child from speaking out, predators may:
Convince the child that their relationship is "special" and normal
Make the child believe that what’s happening isn’t wrong
Use threats or fear tactics to silence the child
Legal Consequences of Grooming
Grooming often leads to child sexual abuse, a serious crime. Recognizing and intervening in the grooming process is crucial for prevention.
As of March 24, 2025, Thailand has amended its Criminal Code to specifically address child grooming for sexual purposes.
According to the newly proposed Section 6, anyone who persuades, entices, lures, or engages in inappropriate behavior with a minor under 18 years old for the purpose of sexual gratification or indecency shall face the following penalties:
Attempted grooming (before the abuse occurs):
Up to 3 years imprisonment or fine of up to 10,000 THB, or both.
Successful grooming (leading to abuse):
Up to 5 years imprisonment and fine of up to 100,000 THB
If the victim is under 15 years old:
Up to 7 years imprisonment and fine of up to 140,000 THB
If the crime is committed using telecommunications or online platforms, an additional one-third increase in penalties applies.
Section 7 states that if the victim suffers:
1. Severe injury → 3–10 years imprisonment and fine of 60,000–200,000 THB or life imprisonment.
2. Death → 15–20 years imprisonment, fine of 300,000–400,000 THB, or life imprisonment.
(These legal provisions may be subject to change as the law develops.)
Related Sexual Offenses in Thai Law
Thailand’s Criminal Code includes several provisions related to child sexual abuse and exploitation:
Possession of Child Pornography
Section 280/1: If an offender commits an offense under Section 276 (rape), Section 277 (rape of a child), Section 278 (sexual harassment of a child by threat), or Section 279 (indecent acts against a child) and records images or audio of the rape or indecent act for unlawful personal gain or for the benefit of others, the penalty shall be increased by one-third of the punishment prescribed in the respective section.
Section 287 Any person who:
(1) For commercial purposes, in the course of trade, for distribution, or for public exhibition, produces, possesses, imports, causes to be imported into the Kingdom, exports, causes to be exported from the Kingdom, transports, causes to be transported, or disseminates in any manner obscene documents, drawings, prints, paintings, publications, pictures, advertisements, symbols, photographs, films, sound recordings, video recordings, or any other obscene materials;
(2) Engages in commerce, participates in, or is involved in the trade of the aforementioned obscene materials, distributes, publicly exhibits, or rents such materials;
(3) Advertises or announces in any manner to facilitate the dissemination or trade of the aforementioned obscene materials, including promoting or informing that such materials are available from any person or through any means shall be subject to a penalty of imprisonment not exceeding three years, a fine not exceeding sixty thousand baht, or both.
Section 287/1 Any persons who possesses child pornographic medias for seeking sexual benefits for oneself or other persons shall have imprison penalty for not over five years or fine penalty for not over one hundred thousand Baht or shall have both penalties.
If a person who is guilty as the first paragraph forwards a child pornographic media to other persons shall have imprison penalty for not over seven years or having fine penalty not over one hundred forty thousand Baht or shall have both penalties.
Section 287/2 .- Any person:
(1) For wish of trading or by trading to dispense or to show off to people, making, producing, having, importing or also let import into the kingdom, exporting or still let export out of the kingdom, carrying to or still let carry to or making to be widespread by any means of child pornographic medias.
(2) Performance of trading, or having a part of or involving in trading concerning with child pornographic medias, dispensing or showing off to people or renting out child pornographic medias.
(3) For helping to make widespread or trading of child pornographic media or has traded child pornographic media already, advertising or news editing by any means that having a person has an action that is guilty as this section or advertising or news editing that such child pornographic medias will find from any persons or by any methods. Must have imprison penalty from three to ten years and having fine penalty from sixty thousand Baht to one hundred twenty thousand Baht" read more
Sexual Abuse
Section 277
Whoever has sex with a child not yet over fifteen years
shall be punished with imprisonment of 5 - 20 years and adjusted from 100,000 - 400,000 baht.
under paragraph one is an act for a child not yet thirteen years old
shall be punished with imprisonment of 7 - 20 years and adjusted from 100,000 - 400,000 baht or life imprisonment.
according to the first or second paragraph Was done with a firearm or dynamite Or by using weapons
Imprisonment for life
Section 278
Whoever committing an indecent act against the person over fifteen years of age by threatening with any means
shall be imprisoned not out of ten years or fined not out of two hundred thousand Baht, or both.
the act of using objects or other organs that are not intrusive genitals
shall be punished with imprisonment of four to twenty years, and adjusted from eighty thousand baht to four hundred thousand baht.
The following sections also apply in cases involving children: Section 279 (For children under 15 years old) and Section 280 (Causing serious injury or death) mentioned in Read more
Treatment & Prevention
Currently, there is no specific medical treatment for grooming behavior. However, ethical and psychological interventions, as well as public awareness campaigns by government agencies and NGOs, play a crucial role in preventing child sexual exploitation.
Pedophilia
Definition of Pedophilia
Pedophilia is a persistent sexual attraction toward prepubescent children by an adult. This condition is recognized as a psychiatric disorder rather than a criminal offense unless acted upon.
There are related classifications based on age preferences:
· Hebephilia[1] → Sexual attraction to children aged 11–14 who have begun some pubertal development but are not fully mature.
· Ephebophilia → Sexual attraction to adolescents aged 15–19.
Pedophilia is sometimes referred to as "Minor-Attracted Persons" (MAPs)[2] by certain groups, aiming to distinguish attraction from illegal behavior. While pedophilia itself is not a crime, engaging in sexual acts with minors or consuming child sexual abuse materials is a serious criminal offense.
Attracted to children but may not commit a crime.
Causes of Pedophilia
The causes of pedophilia vary and can be categorized into two primary types: developmental pedophilia and acquired pedophilia.:
1. Developmental Pedophilia
Developmental or idiopathic pedophilia is classified as a psychiatric condition within the paraphilic disorders category in the DSM-5.
The exact cause remains unknown, and there is no clear external trigger for its development.
The DSM-5 distinguishes between:
Pedophilia → A sexual attraction to children but without acting upon it.
Pedophilic Disorder → Attraction accompanied by sexual offenses or
significant distress, affecting daily life, work, or social functioning.
A person experiencing pedophilia without acting on their urges or feeling distress is referred to as a Minor-Attracted Person (MAP) rather than someone with Pedophilic Disorder.
2. Acquired Pedophilia
Acquired pedophilia occurs in individuals who previously did not have sexual interest in children but develop such attraction later in life due to neurological abnormalities.
Possible Causes:
According to the research "Acquired Pedophilia: International Delphi-Method-Based Consensus Guidelines," this condition can be linked to:
Brain injuries (e.g., head trauma, complications from surgery).
Neurodegenerative diseases, such as:
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD)
Hippocampal sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Huntington's disease
Brain tumors affecting the frontal or temporal lobes.
Dopaminergic medication used to treat Parkinson’s disease, which can alter sexual behavior.
Since acquired pedophilia is caused by neurological dysfunction, pharmaceutical treatments may be effective. Some offenders have responded to:
Anti-androgen therapy (Chemical castration) to reduce sexual urges.
Dopamine-regulating drugs to manage medication-induced hypersexuality.
Understanding the distinction between developmental and acquired pedophilia is essential for legal considerations and medical intervention.
Characteristics of Pedophilia
Pedophilia is a sexual preference, not necessarily a behavior. A person may experience sexual attraction to children without ever acting on it. This means some individuals do not engage in grooming behaviors but may still exhibit signs of pedophilic attraction.
Behavioral Traits of Pedophiles:
Initially, they may deny or feel guilt about their attraction to children.
Prefer interacting with children over socializing with adults. They may build trust by buying gifts or playing with children.
Sexual arousal from viewing child pornography.
May engage in sexual abuse ranging from inappropriate staring, suggestive comments, and touching to full sexual assault or rape.
Struggles with adult relationships, often experiencing dissatisfaction in sexual relationships with adults.
Legal Consequences in Thailand
In Thailand, pedophilia is not currently classified as a mental disorder warranting legal exemption. Instead, offenders are prosecuted under criminal law based on the severity of their actions:
1. No Physical Contact
Exposing genitals to a child.
Watching children bathe or engaging in voyeurism.
Verbal harassment or showing pornography to arouse sexual interest.
2. Physical Contact Without Penetration
Hugging, kissing, or touching genital areas (without penetration).
Forcing a child to touch their genitals for sexual gratification.
3. Sexual Assault & Rape
Forcing or coercing a child into sexual acts.
Using threats or violence to silence the victim.
Repeated abuse or murdering the victim after assault.
Each of these actions falls under Thailand’s criminal code related to child sexual offenses.
Legal Penalties for Pedophilic Offenses in Thailand
If a person with pedophilic disorder commits an offense under Thai criminal law, their punishment is similar to those convicted of child grooming and other sex crimes involving minors.
Key Offenses & Penalties:
· Possession of child pornography
· Indecent acts with a minor
· Sexual assault or rape of a child
In Thailand, the law does not consider psychiatric conditions when determining guilt. However, mitigating factors may reduce the severity of punishment.
Circumstances That May Reduce Sentences:
1. Mental incapacity or severe distress
2. Previous good character
3. Remorse and efforts to mitigate damage
4. Providing useful information to authorities
5. Confessing to the crime
Legal Exceptions for Acquired Pedophilia
If a person develops pedophilic tendencies due to neurological disorders (e.g., brain injury, dementia), they may be considered mentally impaired under the law. In such cases:
If completely unable to distinguish right from wrong, they may not be held criminally responsible.
If partially aware of their actions, the court may reduce their sentence based on judicial discretion.
Treatment Approaches for Pedophilia The treatment method depends on whether pedophilia is developmental or acquired.
1. Treatment for Developmental Pedophilia
Limited success with psychotherapy
Biochemical treatment (e.g., hormone-controlling medications) is more effective
Some countries provide specialized clinics for behavioral therapy
2. Treatment for Acquired Pedophilia
Treating underlying neurological causes
Cognitive rehabilitation to improve impulse control
Moral and legal awareness programs to prevent harmful behavior
Prevention and Response Guidelines
1. For Victims:
You are not at fault.
Avoid secluded places or being alone in a closed room with an adult or anyone in a one-on-one setting, such as in a bathroom, bedroom, alley, or narrow passage.
Do not eat or drink anything given by strangers.
Understand personal boundaries—who is allowed to be close and touch which parts of your body. Special attention should be given to sensitive areas such as lips, chest, genitals, inner thighs, and buttocks, as these areas are highly sensitive to touch. If someone touches them, they may feel the urge to do more than just touch, stroke, or hold, and they could harm you.
Always remember your parents' phone numbers and real names.
Speak up and report incidents to a trusted adult, such as a parent or, if necessary, a teacher.
2. For People Close to the Perpetrator:
Watch for suspicious behavior, such as excessive interest in children.
Never leave a child alone with an adult in the house.
Teach children to scream or shout for help if someone tries to harm them and to run as fast as possible to a crowded area. If hiding is necessary, they should stay as quiet as possible.
Educate children on how to recognize sexual threats by teaching them to differentiate between good and bad touches, along with an understanding of their own body parts and which areas are safe or dangerous to be touched.
Parents should be aware of appropriate ways to show affection to their children, ensuring that they do not violate their child’s bodily rights or normalize inappropriate touch that could lead the child to believe that being touched inappropriately is acceptable.
Report to the relevant authorities.
Encourage perpetrators to seek treatment.
3. For Witnesses:
Intervene if it is safe to do so.
Report the incident to a trusted adult or the appropriate authorities.
Support the victim by offering comfort, such as hugging, consoling, or staying by their side.
Where to Report if You Are a Victim:
· Foundation for Child Rights Protection Center: 0-2412-1196 (during business hours)
· Social Assistance Center: 1300 (24/7)
If something happens, prioritize emotional recovery for the victim and always remind them that they are invaluable in their parents' eyes.
Summary
Grooming is a process where an offender prepares a child for sexual abuse, often driven by pedophilia, a condition in which an individual experiences sexual attraction toward children. This attraction may lead to criminal actions.
A better understanding of pedophilia enables society to develop improved prevention strategies, treatment methods, and victim support systems. Additionally, this knowledge can contribute to legal reforms that consider medical and psychological factors while ensuring that laws are adapted to real-world scenarios.
เปรียบข้อมูลในรูปแบบตาราง
Grooming (Child Sexual Grooming) | Pedophilia |
Definition Grooming is a process in which an adult manipulates or lures a child into a romantic or sexual relationship by gradually earning their trust and lowering their defenses. The perpetrator makes the child feel comfortable and normalizes inappropriate sexual behavior, often using various deceptive tactics to override moral and social barriers that would otherwise protect the child from abuse. Pedophilia may be one factor influencing grooming behavior, but it is not the sole cause. | Definition Pedophilia is a persistent sexual attraction toward prepubescent children by an adult. This condition is recognized as a psychiatric disorder rather than a criminal offense unless acted upon. There are related classifications based on age preferences: · Hebephilia[1] → Sexual attraction to children aged 11–14 who have begun some pubertal development but are not fully mature. · Ephebophilia → Sexual attraction to adolescents aged 15–19. Pedophilia is sometimes referred to as "Minor-Attracted Persons" (MAPs)[2] by certain groups, aiming to distinguish attraction from illegal behavior. While pedophilia itself is not a crime, engaging in sexual acts with minors or consuming child sexual abuse materials is a serious criminal offense. Attracted to children but may not commit a crime. |
Causes of Grooming Behavior
There are 2 major perspective causes:
1. Why Children Become Victims
Lack of Awareness - Limited knowledge, making them easy to deceive. - Unaware that certain behaviors are unnatural or inappropriate. - Less likely to resist inappropriate behavior compared to adults.
Emotional Vulnerability - ไม่ได้รับการยอมรับจากสังคมที่ชายเป็นใหญ่ รู้สึกไม่มีอำนาจ ช่องโหว่จากความอบอุ่น - Weak relationships with parents. - Lack of supervision from guardians. - Feelings of neglect, loneliness, or being unwanted. - Social isolation. Fear and Shame Keep Victims Silent - Fear of retaliation. - Feelings of shame. - Misunderstanding that they are at fault. 2. Why Adults Engage in Grooming Emotional Deficiencies - Feeling unloved or rejected by peers. - Lack of social acceptance, particularly in male-dominated societies where they feel powerless. Psychological Factors - Some offenders were victims of childhood abuse themselves, leading to psychological and behavioral consequences. Mental Health Struggles - High levels of stress. - Low self-esteem. | Causes of Pedophilia The causes of pedophilia vary and can be categorized into two primary types: developmental pedophilia and acquired pedophilia. 1. Developmental Pedophilia Developmental or idiopathic pedophilia is classified as a psychiatric condition within the paraphilic disorders category in the DSM-5. · The exact cause remains unknown, and there is no clear external trigger for its development. · The DSM-5 distinguishes between: o Pedophilia → A sexual attraction to children but without acting upon it. o Pedophilic Disorder → Attraction accompanied by sexual offenses or significant distress, affecting daily life, work, or social functioning. A person experiencing pedophilia without acting on their urges or feeling distress is referred to as a Minor-Attracted Person (MAP) rather than someone with Pedophilic Disorder.
2. Acquired Pedophilia Acquired pedophilia occurs in individuals who previously did not have sexual interest in children but develop such attraction later in life due to neurological abnormalities. Possible Causes: According to the research "Acquired Pedophilia: International Delphi-Method-Based Consensus Guidelines," this condition can be linked to: · Brain injuries (e.g., head trauma, complications from surgery). · Neurodegenerative diseases, such as: o Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) o Hippocampal sclerosis o Multiple sclerosis (MS) o Huntington's disease · Brain tumors affecting the frontal or temporal lobes. · Dopaminergic medication used to treat Parkinson’s disease, which can alter sexual behavior. Since acquired pedophilia is caused by neurological dysfunction, pharmaceutical treatments may be effective. Some offenders have responded to: · Anti-androgen therapy (Chemical castration) to reduce sexual urges. · Dopamine-regulating drugs to manage medication-induced hypersexuality. Understanding the distinction between developmental and acquired pedophilia is essential for legal considerations and medical intervention. |
The Behavior and Stages of Child Grooming 1. Victim Selection Predators target children who are more vulnerable, such as: · Those who trust others easily · Those with low self-confidence · Those who are socially isolated or lack emotional support 2. Creating Opportunities & Isolation Predators try to spend time alone with the child by: · Gaining the trust of family members · Damaging the child's relationship with parents or guardians · Making the child believe that only the predator truly understands and cares for them 3. Building Trust To lower a child's defenses, predators may: · Act kindly and attentively · Give compliments and make the child feel special · Offer gifts, rewards, or special privileges 4. Establishing a Bond & Normalizing Abuse Once trust is established, predators gradually introduce inappropriate behavior by: · Using seemingly innocent physical contact · Making sexual jokes or using inappropriate language · Encouraging the child to expose their body or talk about sexual topics · Showing pornography or initiating a secretive relationship 5. Control & Manipulation To prevent the child from speaking out, predators may: · Convince the child that their relationship is "special" and normal · Make the child believe that what’s happening isn’t wrong · Use threats or fear tactics to silence the child
| Characteristics of Pedophilia Pedophilia is a sexual preference, not necessarily a behavior. A person may experience sexual attraction to children without ever acting on it. This means some individuals do not engage in grooming behaviors but may still exhibit signs of pedophilic attraction. Behavioral Traits of Pedophiles: · Initially, they may deny or feel guilt about their attraction to children. · Prefer interacting with children over socializing with adults. They may build trust by buying gifts or playing with children. · Sexual arousal from viewing child pornography. · May engage in sexual abuse ranging from inappropriate staring, suggestive comments, and touching to full sexual assault or rape. · Struggles with adult relationships, often experiencing dissatisfaction in sexual relationships with adults. |
Legal Consequences of Grooming Grooming often leads to child sexual abuse, a serious crime. Recognizing and intervening in the grooming process is crucial for prevention. As of March 24, 2025, Thailand has amended its Criminal Code to specifically address child grooming for sexual purposes. According to the newly proposed Section 6, anyone who persuades, entices, lures, or engages in inappropriate behavior with a minor under 18 years old for the purpose of sexual gratification or indecency shall face the following penalties: Attempted grooming (before the abuse occurs):
Successful grooming (leading to abuse):
If the victim is under 15 years old:
If the crime is committed using telecommunications or online platforms, an additional one-third increase in penalties applies. Section 7 states that if the victim suffers: 1. Severe injury → 3–10 years imprisonment and fine of 60,000–200,000 THB or life imprisonment. 2. Death → 15–20 years imprisonment, fine of 300,000–400,000 THB, or life imprisonment. (These legal provisions may be subject to change as the law develops.) | Legal Consequences in Thailand In Thailand, pedophilia is not currently classified as a mental disorder warranting legal exemption. Instead, offenders are prosecuted under criminal law based on the severity of their actions: 1. No Physical Contact · Exposing genitals to a child. · Watching children bathe or engaging in voyeurism. · Verbal harassment or showing pornography to arouse sexual interest. 2. Physical Contact Without Penetration · Hugging, kissing, or touching genital areas (without penetration). · Forcing a child to touch their genitals for sexual gratification. 3. Sexual Assault & Rape · Forcing or coercing a child into sexual acts. · Using threats or violence to silence the victim. · Repeated abuse or murdering the victim after assault.
Each of these actions falls under Thailand’s criminal code related to child sexual offenses. Legal Penalties for Pedophilic Offenses in Thailand If a person with pedophilic disorder commits an offense under Thai criminal law, their punishment is similar to those convicted of child grooming and other sex crimes involving minors. |
Related Sexual Offenses in Thai Law Thailand’s Criminal Code includes several provisions related to child sexual abuse and exploitation: Possession of Child Pornography
If a person who is guilty as the first paragraph forwards a child pornographic media to other persons shall have imprison penalty for not over seven years or having fine penalty not over one hundred forty thousand Baht or shall have both penalties.
(2) Performance of trading, or having a part of or involving in trading concerning with child pornographic medias, dispensing or showing off to people or renting out child pornographic medias. (3) For helping to make widespread or trading of child pornographic media or has traded child pornographic media already, advertising or news editing by any means that having a person has an action that is guilty as this section or advertising or news editing that such child pornographic medias will find from any persons or by any methods. Must have imprison penalty from three to ten years and having fine penalty from sixty thousand Baht to one hundred twenty thousand Baht" read more Sexual Abuse
The following sections also apply in cases involving children: Section 279 (For children under 15 years old) and Section 280 (Causing serious injury or death) mentioned in Read more: | Key Offenses & Penalties: · Possession of child pornography · Indecent acts with a minor · Sexual assault or rape of a child In Thailand, the law does not consider psychiatric conditions when determining guilt. However, mitigating factors may reduce the severity of punishment.
Circumstances That May Reduce Sentences: 1. Mental incapacity or severe distress 2. Previous good character 3. Remorse and efforts to mitigate damage 4. Providing useful information to authorities 5. Confessing to the crime |
Treatment & Prevention
Currently, there is no specific medical treatment for grooming behavior. However, ethical and psychological interventions, as well as public awareness campaigns by government agencies and NGOs, play a crucial role in preventing child sexual exploitation | Treatment Approaches for Pedophilia The treatment method depends on whether pedophilia is developmental or acquired. 1. Treatment for Developmental Pedophilia · Limited success with psychotherapy · Biochemical treatment (e.g., hormone-controlling medications) is more effective · Some countries provide specialized clinics for behavioral therapy 2. Treatment for Acquired Pedophilia · Treating underlying neurological causes · Cognitive rehabilitation to improve impulse control · Moral and legal awareness programs to prevent harmful behavior |
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อ้างอิง
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[2] Jahnke, S., Blagden, N., & Hill, L. (2022). Pedophile, Child Lover, or Minor-Attracted Person? Attitudes Toward Labels Among People Who are Sexually Attracted to Children. Archives of sexual behavior, 51(8), 4125–4139. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-022-02331-6
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5. Scarpazza, C., Costa, C., Battaglia, U., et al. (2023). Acquired pedophilia: International Delphi-method-based consensus guidelines. Translational Psychiatry, 13, 11. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-023-02314-8
6. Stone, T. H., Winslade, W. J., & Klugman, C. M. (2000). Sex offenders, sentencing laws and pharmaceutical treatment: A prescription for failure. Behavioral Sciences & the Law, 18, 83–110.
7. Winters, G. M., Jeglic, E. L., & Kaylor, L. E. (2020). Validation of the sexual grooming model of child sexual abusers. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 29(7), 855–875. https://doi.org/10.1080/10538712.2020.1801935
8. Winters, G. M., & Jeglic, E. L. (2021). The Sexual Grooming Scale – Victim Version: The Development and Pilot Testing of a Measure to Assess the Nature and Extent of Child Sexual Grooming. Victims & Offenders, 17 (6), 919–940. https://doi.org/10.1080/15564886.2021.1974994
9. Winters, G. M., Kaylor, L. E., & Jeglic, E. L. (2021). Toward a universal definition of child sexual grooming. Deviant Behavior, 43(8), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/01639625.2021.1941427
10. Ybarra, M. L., Mitchell, K., Finkelhor, D., & Wolak, J. (2007). Internet prevention messages: Are we targeting the right online behaviors? Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, 161, 138–145. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpedi.161.2.138
11. Medi.co.th.. (2022). โรคใคร่เด็ก Pedophilia อาการจิตป่วยอันตราย สังเกตให้ไวก่อนลูกหลานตกเป็นเหยื่อ. สืบค้นวันที่ 24 มีนาคม 2025, from http://www.medi.co.th/news_detail2.php?q_id=207
12. Thai PBS. (2025). เตือนภัย "เด็ก" สถิติ 1 ปี ถูกล่วงละเมิดทางเพศออนไลน์ 346 คดี. สืบค้นวันที่ 24 มีนาคม 2025, from https://www.thaipbs.or.th/news/content/348051
13. POBPAD. (n.d.). Pedophilia รู้จักอาการของโรคใคร่เด็ก และการรักษา. สืบค้นเมื่อ 21 มีนาคม 2568, จาก pobpad
14. Thairath. (2025, March 12). รู้จัก เปโด (Pedophilia) โรคใคร่เด็ก ภาวะทางจิตที่อาจก่อให้เกิดอาชญากรรม. สืบค้นเมื่อ 21 มีนาคม 2568, จาก https://www.thairath.co.th/lifestyle/health-and-beauty/2846776
15. สำนักงานกิจการยุติธรรม. (2024, 18 มีนาคม). ใคร่เด็ก กับโทษทางกฎหมาย: โรคใคร่เด็ก (Pedophilia) หรืออาการผิดปกติทางจิตที่แสดงออก. สืบค้นเมื่อ 21 มีนาคม 2568, จาก สำนักงานกิจการยุติธรรม
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