Individuals who act on pedophilic urges may limit their behavior to non-overt sexual acts such as undressing the child, touching, masturbating.  Others may perform overt acts like fellatio, cunnilingus or penetrating intercourse.  

Commonly, these behaviors are rationalized so that the Pedophile may avoid responsibility for harm.  They might explain that these acts have "educational value" or that the child was sexually provocative and enjoyed the act.  A significant feature of Pedophilia is that the individual may experience no personal distress concerning the sexual urges towards, but distress is not necessary for a Pedophilia diagnosis.  

Pedophiles may only commit these acts with their own children, or they may victimize children outside their families.  Some Pedophiles develop intricate strategies for gaining access and trust with children, and using this trust or connection with the child as a threat to prevent the child from reporting the abuse.  

Much of the responsibility for preventing child sexual abuse falls on the parents or adult supervisors of children.  Educating children about appropriate touching or interactions with adults is a very important step in preventing child sexual abuse.  It is also the responsibility of the adult caregiver to provide enough supervision that children are not left in vulnerable situation alone with other adults.  

Perhaps the most important thing an adult caregiver can do is be aware that Pedophilia is a real, surprisingly common threat to the well-being of children, and to take as many precautionary steps as possible to prevent the terrible consequences that result from Pedophilic acts.

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