Psychotherapeutic Approaches For Pedophilic Child And Family: A Study Of Shari'ah And Clinical Ethos

Pedophilia is sexual violence against children that negatively impacts the pedophilic child and the family. They include depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and susceptibility to future victimization. Victims often suffer long-term physical and psychological trauma, including persistent fear and stress, potentially leading to mental disorders. The increasing number of pedophilic cases in Muslim countries poses ethico-clinical challenges for families, health experts, and Sharīʿah experts. This violence predominantly occurs within familial or extra-familial relations, often involving individuals close to the victim, such as family members, neighbors, and even teachers. This research aims to study pedophilic issues within the context of Sharīʿah and clinical ethics, focusing on exploring psychotherapeutic approaches for pedophilic children and their families. To do it, the study examines previous literature in books, journals, and data disclosed by experts. Moreover, it is supported by analyzing Sharīʿah texts and jurisprudential views about psychotherapeutic treatments harmonised by Sharīʿah and clinical ethics. The study provides individual and communal-based psychotherapeutic approaches to rehabilitate pedophilic children and families. Ultimately, this research facilitates an understanding of ethical and clinical challenges related to victimized children and their families and encourages researchers to explore this issue further. Significantly, this paper ends by putting suggestions for policymakers, health professionals, and Sharīʿah experts to focus on the rehabilitation of pedophilic child and family, rather than solely on pedophiles and punishment.