A new brain test could help ID potential paedophiles
Keystone
Forensic psychiatrists in Basel and Zurich are developing a brain test that could help identify paedophiles. Although testing is in the early stages, there are already concerns about how such results might be used.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch and agencies
The tests, led by Marc Graf, director of the forensic psychiatric clinic in Basel, involved 43 men: 20 who had been convicted of either consuming child pornography or abusing children, and 23 who had volunteered for the study.
Participants were connected to machines which measured responses in their brains and fingers while they performed assigned tasks. During the tasks the men were shown various photos – for example, of naked adults and children – and the machines measured how distracted they were and what exactly grabbed their attention.
The hope is that in future, the tests would be able to reduce uncertainty in the methods currently used to estimate how dangerous a paedophile is. Similar testing will take place in the psychiatric clinic at the University of Zurich. According to the leader of that clinic, Andreas Mokros, “It’s difficult to confirm paedophile tendencies if the subject is not willing to give information”.
Graf in Basel agreed, saying that if, during the course of therapy, somebody says that he no longer has fantasies about children, it’s hard to know whether he’s telling the truth.
According to research from North America, almost 60% of criminals convicted of child abuse were not in fact paedophiles. The tests could provide a chance for these convicts to demonstrate that they do not necessarily pose a risk to children if they are released.
The researchers hope that their test will one day be useful in criminal proceedings or in prison to significantly improve the objectivity of findings. But both Graf and Mokros are aware that, as Graf said, “We have to be very careful with this technological development. Such tests are not only ethically and morally, but also legally delicate.”
What do you think Switzerland’s Alain Berset can bring to the Council of Europe?
The former interior minister is to become the first Swiss Secretary General of the Council of Europe – which issues should his five-year term focus on?
How is your country dealing with the return of stolen artifacts?
Western nations like Switzerland often have to deal with the process of recovering or returning looted artifacts which have been illegally imported. What’s the situation like in your country?
This content was published on
Unknown assailants detonated an ATM in canton Vaud early Sunday morning, causing extensive damage to the building. The perpetrators fled the scene and remain at large.
Kudelski Group to sell Skidata division to Assa Abloy
This content was published on
The Kudelski Group is selling its Skidata division to the Swedish manufacturer of locking and security systems Assa Abloy.
Tragic weekend in Swiss waters: three bodies recovered
This content was published on
Swiss authorities recovered three bodies from local waters over the weekend, with one incident occurring in Zurich and two in Zug.
Lake Parade in Geneva attracts over 100,000 people
This content was published on
The 22nd Lake Parade and the Lake Sensation in Geneva attracted over 100,000 people in summery weather on Saturday. There were no major incidents at either event.
Graubünden storm causes significant economic damage, prompting support measures
This content was published on
The recent storm in Misox, in canton Graubünden, has resulted in severe economic damage, affecting SMEs, tourism, and agricultural land.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Social worker guilty of child sexual abuse
This content was published on
Stationary measures refer to therapy that takes place on an in-patient basis either in a psychiatric clinic or a prison, usually during the offender’s prison sentence. In this case, if the therapy comes to a successful conclusion, the man can be released without serving the prison sentence. Only if the therapy is abandoned will the…
Voters back paedophile ban on working with children
This content was published on
Final results showed 63.5% of voters were in favour of the initiative. It also won the necessary backing of a majority of cantons. Turnout was 55.5%. Opponents, including the cabinet, had claimed the text was too simplistic and made redundant by a new law which comes into force in January. But supporters dismissed these reservations,…
This content was published on
Director of the Forensic Institute of Eastern Switzerland (Forio) for the past decade, Egli-Alge gives expert assessments in civil and criminal cases and treats court-referred offenders. However, the majority of her patients are men with no criminal convictions who have come forward voluntarily for help. swissinfo.ch: In today’s society, paedophiles are the untouchables. It is…
This content was published on
The man was found guilty of rape and sexual abuse of children and dependents at a number of institutions. The prosecution had demanded 15 years followed by lifelong internment. The court turned down the request for internment, saying it could only be considered if other measures failed. The presiding judge said the number of cases…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.