Why pornography may fuel child sexual abuse — Expert

Prof. Ehiz Odigie-Okpataku, a Behavioural Change and Public Health Communication Consultant, has cautioned that exposure to pornography could lower inhibitions and contribute to sexually predatory behaviour. During an appearance on Nigeria Television Authority’s programme, Good Morning Nigeria, she argued that sexual offences against children cannot be explained solely by a high libido.

Odigie-Okpataku highlighted that rape and sexual abuse are often misunderstood as expressions of excessive sexual desire, and they could also be driven by an oppressive tendency to dominate or exercise power over victims. She stated that people may hate or despise someone and attempt to conquer or abuse them, resulting in sexual abuse or violence.

When discussing the psychological factors behind sexual abuse, including cases involving children, Odigie-Okpataku emphasized the importance of understanding these factors to address sexual abuse and protect children. She pointed out that repeated exposure to pornography could weaken an individual's boundaries around acceptable sexual behaviour, particularly when the material involves children or family relationships.

She explained that pornography blurs the lines between right and wrong and can generate curiosity about exploring such themes.

Odigie-Okpataku warned that some individuals deliberately consume pornographic material featuring children or family members, and this could lead them to want to act out what they have seen in real life. She stressed that curiosity in this area could translate into attempts to reproduce the acts they have watched, leading some people to become predators.

Odigie-Okpataku made it clear that sexual offending is not necessarily dependent on a person's ability to engage in sexual intercourse, citing cases of offenders with erectile dysfunction who still pose a threat as sexual predators.