Criminology: What is the position of Paedophiles with respect to the penal system in Australia?

What is the position of Paedophiles with respect to the penal system in Australia?
This essay will introduce you and the group that you have chosen. It should include:
1. A short statement of why this group has taken your interest. You come from a particular background. Your desire to know more about this group isn’t random: this asks you to (briefly) interrogate that desire.

My interest in the phenomenon of paedophilia was sparked by my engagement with true crime, missing children and cold cases. Prior to pursuing studies in criminology and criminal justice system (CJS), my perception of paedophiles was one of inherent danger, deeming them incompatible with a society that prioritises the protection of children. However, through my academic journey, I have come to realise that sex offenders, including paedophiles, often grapple with mental illness and external influences, rather than embodying innate malice.
This realisation has driven my focus towards understanding the multifaceted factors contributing to paedophilia. The aim of my research is gaining a deeper understanding of the criminal and legal ramifications surrounding paedophilic behaviour as well as to explore the investigative, punitive and intervention strategies pertinent to the complexity of paedophilia.

2. Key facts / statistics about this group in the penal system in Australia / paedophilia
define paedophilia, what it is, the different types of pedophilia, include the Australian federal legislations and state them (division 10 sexual offences against adults and children, go through sub-division 1 to sub-division 12)
Paedophiles in the Australian penal system is one of severe penalties and increasing focus on rehab, however the evolving nature of child sexual abuse, particularly with the rise of technology, presents ongoing challenges for the justice system
1.     Paedophiles / individuals who commit crimes such as sexual offences against children, underage teens are subjected to strict legal penalties and criminal charges  laws vary across different states within AU.
2.     The penalties vary by jurisdiction but can include lengthy prison sentences, fines, and mandatory registration on the sex offender registry.
3.     According to the AIOC, in 2019 there were approximately 4000 individuals serving sentences for sexual offences against children in Australian prisons.
4.     Majority of these offenders were male with a median age of 38.  
5. Crimes that involve children cause moral panic

I have written this so far for this section: Mass media plays a major role in reporting crimes to society, in particular crimes that involve children, such as sexual assaults, kidnappings and murder (reference). When those crimes are reported, the offender is presented as a dangerous paedophile, however that is a misrepresentation of truth. The term paedophile is interchangeably used with the term ‘child sex offender’ incorrectly. In the Australian Federal Legislations the term paedophilia is not stated nor used which further indicates that the term is misused (reference). Individuals who commit crimes against children aged 5-14 such as neglect, and sexual assault are subjected to strict legal and criminal charges in Australia, however those laws vary across jurisdictions within Australia

3. Trends and emerging directions for this group with respect to the justice system.

1.  There has been an increasing trend towards tougher sentencing for child sexual abuse offences in Australia  reflected in the ontro of mandatory minimum sentences in some jurisdictions.
2.    There’s growing emphasis on rehabilitation and treatment programs for offenders, both in prison and post release, to reduce recidivism rates.
3.    Use of technology in child sexual abuse cases i.e. online grooming and distribution of child exploitation materials has led to new laws and increased penalties

4. Important questions that this raises. Just a few: perhaps around 5 key questions
1.     How effective are the current sentencing practices in deterring child sexual abuse?
2.     What’s the impact of mandatory minimum sentences on rates of child sexual abuse.
3.     How can the justice system better support victims of child sexual abuse?
4.     What role does rehab play in preventing reoffending and how can these programs be improved?
5.     How can the legal system adapt to the challenged posed by technology in child sexual abuse cases?