Sexual attraction to children and adolescents

sexualised violence sexual orientation and identity

When it comes to people who feel sexually attracted to minors, a distinction is made between core paedophiles and those who consume images of abuse or even commit attacks for other reasons.

From his experience in the counselling centre, Christian Scambor reports that the desire mostly triggers a feeling of strangeness in those affected themselves, and they have to admit it to themselves first to be able to get help. This applies in particular to those who feel it as a real sexual preference.

It is often not possible to find out where these feelings come from: “In some cases there is something in the person’s past, but in many cases it’s not clear where it comes from.”

It’s important to learn how to handle it and get assistance. The alternative is constant suffering, which can lead to people hiding in addiction or suffering from depression.

“The biggest hurdle is overcoming the shame and seeking help,” says the expert. There is a constant battle: I want to but I’m not allowed to. “It’s a lot of work, and the earlier you start the better. We don’t judge or disparage people in our centre, you can be certain of that,” says Scambor.

The work in the expert groups with those affected also means doing the work of grieving. Alternatives and prevention strategies are needed, like for addiction.

Those who feel inclinations should ideally contact a specialised counselling centre, where they can arrange a free appointment.

Unser Interviewpartner

Dr. Christian Scambor is a clinical and health psychologist and co-founder of the VMG-Steiermark Association. He has been working as part of the team at the counselling centre since 1996.

Men’s issues and gender-related topics, Styria
Specialist Unit for Anti-Violence Work
Dietrichsteinplatz 15/8
8011 Graz

Website VMG-Styria

The interview was conducted in september 2025.