Pedophilia is a psychosexual disorder characterized by a sexual desire for and sexual acts with prepubescent children. Onset of the disorder can occur from adolescence through old age, and it occurs predominantly in males. About two-thirds of pedophiliacs are attracted to children of the opposite sex. Based on evidence from criminal court records, pedophiles usually know the children that they abuse. Most pedophiles resort to deception rather than force. Although much is known about pedophilia, pedophiles themselves are difficult to treat and recidivism rates are high.