Is there a difference between a pedophile & a child molester?

Question

I thought it was the same thing, but I guess there's a difference. My ex-boyfriend was "both" if they're different terms. He enjoyed seeking out young girls. That's why I left him.

Answer 1

The dictionary definition of a pedophile is:
sexual perversion in which children are the preferred sexual object

The dictionary definition of a molester is:
to make annoying sexual advances to; especially : to force physical and usually sexual contact on

So I don't see much difference except for the act. I am assuming that someone could have pedophilia and resist the urge to touch a child (not likely but could happen) and child molesting is exactly that; to make annoying sexual advances or to force physical and sexual contact on a child.

I am sorry you got taken in by your boyfriend. I am glad you found out in time to get out of the relationship.

Answer 2

Good call on leaving him.

The two often overlap in practice, but the technical difference that most people aren't aware of is that a true pedophile is only aroused by prepubescent children. These are relatively rare. Many child molesters would like an attractive woman of more appropriate age, but due to the lack of social skills, lack of self-esteem and because children are easier to exploit the go for the children.

You should call the police and look up the Child Abuse Hotline for your area. You can do both of these anonymously so he can't find out it was you. Google "Child Abuse Hotline" and your city name. Think of what you could save some kids from having to go through that could cause them a lifetime of problems.

http://www.childmolestationprevention.org/pages/focus_on_the_cause.html

Answer 3

I hope you reported your ex if he was both a pedophile and child molester? I thought they were the same too. They both do sexual things to children and mess up the childrens lives. Please you need to report your ex if you have not, he needs help and you need to save any of protential victims, so he doesn't mess up their lives. Help to keep all children safe.

Answer 4

A pedophile is someone who is fixated on children, a child molester is someone who acts on their urges. Both are revolting and should counseled.

Answer 5

I would have thought they were the same as well,

check out this link
http://www.crimelibrary.com/criminal_mind/psychology/pedophiles/1.html

Answer 6

pedifile- a guy who likes younger girls/boys (way younger... underaged) and "wants" to ingage ingauge in sexual activities

child molester- a person who "has" inguaged in sexual activities with younger girls/boys... underaged...(this person is also a pedifile)

the differnce is 20-life in jail