OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to provide a brief review of current perspectives on paedophilia as well as some suggestions regarding the place of psychiatry in dealing with the problem. METHODS A literature survey was conducted. RESULTS Child sexual abuse has unfortunately been ignored and minimised by psychiatry until recently. The current evidence strongly indicates that it is a common event which is highly likely to cause both short- and long-term harm to its victims. The perpetrators generally are psychiatrically otherwise 'normal' men who are skilled at both planning their offending behaviours and denying their existence. CONCLUSIONS Psychiatrists have an important role to play in assessment and treatment of both offenders and victims, although they may have to learn new clinical skills. Their preventative role is also important, particularly in the field of public education.