In the public, the term pedophile is often misused to refer to anyone who sexually assaults a child, whereas in fact a minority of those who sexually assault minors meet the criteria for a diagnosis of pedophilia. Finally, the majority of paedophiles have never committed sexual offences and, conversely, only a minority of sexual abusers are paedophiles. Finally, the majority of paedophiles have never committed sexual offences and, conversely, only a minority of sexual abusers are paedophiles. It is also important to differentiate between pedophilia (attraction to prepubescent children) and hebephilia (attraction to pubescent children). 

Finally, some people, although they have committed sexual offences against children, have a sexual attraction that is not limited to children. They may also be sexually attracted to adults.

Some people may feel that there was no crime because it happened at a distance (on the Internet) and not in person. However, exposing oneself on the Internet, inciting minors to do so, or viewing sexually explicit images/videos of minors is no less serious than assaulting a child in real life. 

It is a sexual offence, in the same way as a sexual offence against a physical victim, since the context in which the images/videos were produced constitutes a context of abuse.

People with problematic sexual fantasies can be male or female; heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual; in a relationship or single; of any ethnic group; or of varying socio-economic status.

People with problematic sexual fantasies can be anyone (lover, ex-boyfriend, neighbour, friend, family member, etc.). For the vast majority, these people function normally in society. Following treatment, a minority of these people will commit a sexual offence.

Sexual assault is a multifactorial phenomenon, but it is not a problem of uncontrollable sexual urges. Everyone is able to control their actions. Similarly, a large majority (between 70% and 80%) of child sex offences are said to be premeditated, which runs counter to the thesis of the drives and lack of control of child sex offenders. Women can also be responsible for sexual assault. 

Hall, R.C.W. and Hall, R.C.W. (2009). “A profile of pedophilia: Definition, characteristics of offenders, recidivism, treatment outcomes, and forensic issues”.