Background

Non-offending pedophiles are an under- researched, hard to reach population. This group of individuals are often hesitant to come forward and fail to seek help due to the ongoing stigma experienced in society. 

Aims

 In order to better understand non-offending pedophiles experiences of their identity and the stigma they face, a qualitative study was conducted to try to further understand the barriers that this population encounter when attempting to seek help. The aim of the study was to shed light on this population to find out more about what can be done to help them to come forward and seek help, with the main aim of hopefully reducing cases of sexual abuse in future.

Method

Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 10 non-offending pedophiles, who were recruited through online support groups for individuals who have sexual attractions towards children. Participants were interviewed over skype and the data was analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) following Smith et al (2012) approach and a number of themes were generated from the rich data set produced.

Results

Results were analysed using thematic analysis and four main themes emerged, providing insight into how non-offending pedophiles experience stigma. The themes included ‘stigma in relation to themselves’, ‘others’, ‘the media portrayal’ and ‘impact of stigma of MAP’s seeking out treatment’ 

Conclusion

Findings are discussed in relation to existing literature and practical recommendations are proposed to hopefully allow this population to feel more comfortable sharing their sexual interests, which will allow them to seek help resulting in them not offending and ultimately the prevention of sexual abuse. This study fills the void in terms of lack of research with this population, especially when it comes to qualitative in depth studies, including not just male minor attracted persons, but female minor attracted persons as well.