Pedophilia and Deafness

Data from 22 cases of deaf individuals suffering from pedophilia are presented along with a tabular summary of recent articles from the deaf press, about deaf victims of pedophilia and deaf pedophiles. Results indicate a number of factors that distinguish deaf pedophiles from hearing pedophiles. First is the prevalence of Primitive Personality Disorder in the deaf group. Corollary to this, with a significant number of pedophiles, competence to stand trial is a major issue. Other significant differences include a high rate of brain damage, illiteracy, poor communication skills, and other psychiatric illnesses. Two of the 22 cases were deaf females with pedophilia. The mean performance IQ of the sample was 102.8 and the distribution of scores was bimodal. Case histories are presented and discussed, and legal issues, prevention, and punishment are addressed.