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Geoffrey Robertson is a respected authority on the law.
However, in putting forth his beliefs about the psychology of paedophile priests, he has ventured outside his area of expertise (“‘Give me the boy at seven’ … look where that led us”, March 2-3.)
As a clinical psychologist who has spent over 33 years treating adult survivors of childhood sex crimes, I am no expert on the law.
I have also never treated paedophile priests.
However, I am an expert on what the victims of paedophile priests experienced as children.
Paedophile priests are not, as Robertson suggests, merely hapless emotionally weak, immature victims of celibacy.
Working with survivors of clerical sexual abuse, it has become clear that the pattern of these crimes is consistent with highly organised serial predation, not one-off moments of weakness.
My patients have been the victims of serial predators whose modus operandi fits the profile of the worst kind of sociopath.
Let’s not confuse a pathological and criminal absence of conscience and moral compass with “immaturity” and “weakness”.
Priests do not become paedophiles due to immaturity, weakness and sexual frustration. Paedophiles become priests because it gives them easy access to trusting children, families and communities where they will be respected and obeyed without question.
The sad fact is that the priesthood is the perfect job and the perfect cover for a paedophile with no scruples.
The natural solution to sexual frustration is not paedophilia.
Celibacy does not cause men to become attracted to children.
According to my patients, paedophile priests display and utilise the full suite of sociopathic behaviours to plan, execute and cover up their crimes.
This includes threat, blackmail, intimidation and manipulation of children and their families.
They are experts in using their extraordinary power and influence to systematically and efficiently exploit a child’s innocence, obedience, love of God, fear of the devil and their instinct to protect their loved ones. Continue reading
- Dr Michelle Epstein – is a Psychologist with 20 years experience, working in Sydney
- Image: InsideOut
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