A social campaign in Germany is aimed at persuading pedophiles to undergo confidential therapy so that they can (a) avoid criminal activity (b) stop harming children. The radical treatment – Project Dunkelfeld (Darkfield) – has 11 centers open across the country with over 300 pedophiles attending the program. The pedophiles are not just people who have abused children, but anyone who feels a sexual attraction to a minor.

The goal of the program is to reform pedophiles before the commit a crime. The program begins by analyzing patients past behavior and feelings for minors so as to come up with a plan to avert abusive situations. The program isn’t just available to men who haven’t abused children but also those who have been involved in child molestation.

Since the program was set up in 2004, it has helped over 5,300 people who have contacted the network and is so popular that there are huge waiting lists at all 11 centers because of lack of space. Despite the huge waiting lists, German authorities have taken to advertising to draw as many German pedophiles as possible. Recent research shows that as many as 5% of German men are potential pedophiles.