A grim study reveals the number of Australian men harboring sexual feelings for children and teenagers
One in ten Australian men admitted to committing sexual offenses against children, and one in six admitted to having sexual feelings towards children and teenagers.
A nationwide survey of 1,900 Australian men over the age of 18, conducted by the University of New South Wales and Jesuit Social Services, provided disturbing findings.
Sexual offenses against children included accessing adult material online or flirting and talking of a sexual nature with minors.
About half of the 10 percent who said they had committed such crimes also said they had sexual feelings toward children and teenagers.
Of the men who actually reported such feelings, only just under a third, or 30 percent, needed help to deal with them.
A disturbing report from a national survey shows one in 10 Australian men admit to committing sex crimes against children (stock photo)
Males with minor sexual inclinations were more likely to have been sexually abused or scarred as children and were more likely to have viewed violent or bestialist pornography.
They also reported higher levels of anxiety, depression and binge drinking.
However, these characteristics did not necessarily determine appearance for the same group of men, who were also more likely to be married, high-income, and have children of their own.
Study leader Professor Michael Salter said the study “reveals in an unprecedented way the number of undetected child sex offenders in the Australian community.”
“This study confirms what countless victims have said – that the men who abused them were well-connected and relatively wealthy, and that their behavior was secretive and easy to miss,” he said. Nine messages.
“We hope that by shedding light on the characteristics of individual perpetrators and the broader social and technological patterns that enable their exploitation, this research will catalyze change that will ultimately keep children safe.”
Georgia Naldrett, manager of Jesuit social services “Stop it now!” The Australian Police Service said early intervention was important to stop child sex crimes.
About 5 percent of men admitted to having sexual feelings for children and underage teenagers (stock photo)
“The widespread nature of the abuse revealed in this report is deeply disturbing,” Ms Naldrett said.
She called for “investment in initiatives that address behavioral health concerns before they occur and for “earlier intervention for boys and men who report troubling thoughts and behaviors.”
“Investments in these areas can help protect children from harm,” she said.
The age of consent in Australia may be 16 or 17, depending on the state or territory.
To be consistent with international research, study participants were asked about their feelings towards all minors aged 18 and under.
