Paraphilias and Sexual Crimes—An Overview

Abstract

The chapter outlines a comprehensive examination of sex crimes, sex offenders, victims of sex crimes as well as intervention and treatment strategies. The range of paraphilias discussed is wide ranging from sexual abuse and fetishism to necrophilia and sadomasochism. Emphasizing the physical and psychological aspects of sexuality itself, the chapter presents detailed comparisons of legal and medical definitions, historical aspects, current incidence, and geographical prevalence of these offenses. It also explores the potential causes, discusses etiological theories and reviews psychopathology.