Public Order Crimes

Paraphilia is criminal behavior far outside of what the public considers normal. These include pedophilia, voyeurism, exhibitionism, and sadomasochism. Pedophilia is receiving sexual pleasure from activities that focus on children. Pedophiles, mostly male, prey on unsuspecting children after they win their trust. A pedophile might be a coach, a teacher, or even a religious official. They control the abused children with threats of harm or violence unless the victims keep the sexual activities a secret.

Occasionally there are pedophilia "rings" that consist of a number of active pedophiles. Adult members lure and hold youngsters—the preferred ages being between ten and thirteen—against their will for sexual exploitation and abuse. Many of the victims are runaways who have no home and are not reported missing.

Voyeurism is defined as sexual pleasure derived from watching unsuspecting people undressing or having sexual relations. Exhibitionism is the act of exposing one's genitals or sexual parts to another or to a group for surprise or shock value. Sadomasochism is experiencing pleasure from sexual activities that cause another person pain.