A Long, Dark Shadow: Minor-Attracted People and Their Pursuit of Dignity

Challenging widespread assumptions that persons who are preferentially attracted to minors—often referred to as "pedophiles"—are necessarily also predators and sex offenders, this book takes readers into the lives of non-offending minor-attracted persons (MAPs). There is little research into non-offending MAPs, a group whose experiences offer valuable insights into the prevention of child abuse. Navigating guilt, shame, and fear, this universally maligned group demonstrates remarkable resilience and commitment to living without offending and to supporting and educating others. Using data from interview-based research, A Long, Dark Shadow offers a crucial account of the lived experiences of this hidden population. 

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgments Preface Introduction: Who Are Minor-Attracted People? 1. "Am I a Monster?": Forming an Identity as Minor-Attracted 2. "Leading a Double Life": Staying Closeted and Coming Out as a MAP 3. "Enduring a Ra instorm": MAPs' Strategies for Coping with Their Attractions 4. "It’s a Very Strong Boundary for Me"": Resilience to Sexual Offending among MAPs  5. "Their Intention Wasn’t to Help Me": Mental Health Problems and Ca re-Seeking Experiences 6. "You Are Not a Monster": Toward a Shift in Attitudes Concerning MAPs Appendix A. Participant Characteristics Appendix B. Research Methods for a Difficult Subject Notes Bibliography Index

About the Author :
Allyn Walker (they / them) is Assistant Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice at Old Dominion University.

Review :
"In A Long, Dark Shadow, Allyn Walker broaches this controversial topic to provide readers with a better understanding of this group, including misconceptions, identity formation, disclosure, coping strategies, resilience to sexual offending, experiences with help-seeking, and the need for the public to shift their attitudes toward MAPs if we hope to protect children."   "This book paints an incredible picture of the strength, stressors, struggles, and tensions experienced by MAPs when working to ensure they do not offend. On this point, alone, the book is vitally important, offering thought-provoking insights that must be worked through in any attempt to ensure the safety of children and the wellbeing of those who are trying to be someone other than who the world thinks they are. Its insights deserve consideration among a wide audience of child protection advocates, criminologists, policymakers, and those interested in the social and legal regulation of sexuality in our society." "In A Long, Dark Shadow, Allyn Walker tackles an area that has been historically under-researched and incredibly sensitive and complex. Fundamentally, the book explores the challenges that minor-attracted persons (MAPs) experience in their everyday lives from suffering perceived and real stigma from others, a lack of understanding of their needs by healthcare professionals and the constant fear of being ‘outed’ as a MAP, and ramifications from the criminal justice system when they are inevitably confused with convicted sexual offenders. It is this distinction between MAPs and convicted sex offenders which is the focus of Walker’s book in emphasizing that a thorough understanding of the difference is essential for future policy development and further education of the public, practitioners and criminal justice personnel."