Why pornography may fuel child sexual abuse — Expert

Dr. Ehiz Odigie-Okpataku, a Behavioral Change and Public Health Communication Consultant, has stated that exposure to pornography may lower inhibitions and contribute to sexually predatory behavior. She cautioned that sexual offenses against children cannot be attributed solely to a high libido. During an appearance on the Nigeria Television Authority’s Good Morning Nigeria program, she discussed the psychological factors behind sexual abuse, including offenses involving children.

Odigie-Okpataku argued that rape and sexual abuse were often mistaken for expressions of excessive sexual desire, but could also stem from an oppressive tendency to dominate or exercise power over victims. She stated, "We often think that rape is a sexual expression or sexual molestation is sexual expression of a high libido. It is often an oppressive tendency, so you want to conquer that person."

She further explained that pornography could weaken an individual's boundaries around acceptable sexual behavior, especially when it involves children or sexualized family relationships. Odigie-Okpataku warned that consuming such pornographic content could lead to curiosity about acting out what was seen, potentially resulting in real-life reproduction of the acts.

She emphasized that sexual offending was not solely dependent on a person's ability to engage in sexual intercourse, citing cases of offenders with erectile dysfunction who were still sex offenders.