Pedophilia: an update on theory and practice

The number of sexual attacks on children is staggering, yet it is extremely difficult to understand what effective treatments are available for the pedophile by reviewing the literature. Therefore, the authors present an update of the changing conceptualizations regarding the offenders and their victims. An overview of the currently used modalities to treat the pedophile is presented with emphasis on the promising cognitive-behavioral approach. A brief description of this approach is given with two case illustrations.