Paedophilia and minor attraction are commonly misunderstood, and often used interchangeably, and incorrectly, with those that have committed sexual offences against children. Minor Attracted Persons (MAPs) are individuals who experience romantic and sexual attraction to prepubescent children or adolescents. This term is often used in contexts where individuals seek to differentiate their attractions from actions, emphasising that attraction does not necessarily lead to harmful behaviours. Research suggests that between 50-60% of child sexual abuse convictions are by individuals that do not meet the criteria for paedophilia, suggesting that other factors are relevant.

Research on the prevalence of MAPs is limited, but studies suggest that attractions to minors may be more common than previously understood, with estimates indicating that around 3% to 9% of men may identify as having such attractions, and between 1 and 4% of women. However, the actual number may vary widely depending on cultural, social, and legal contexts.

Many individuals with these attractions do not act on them and actively seek to avoid any harmful behaviour, often out of a strong moral or ethical commitment to not harm children. Those with minor attraction may have an exclusive or non-exclusive interest.

MAPs often live with the fear of being judged or misunderstood, and this often leads to not being able to talk about this aspect of themselves. They may therefore seek therapeutic interventions for a variety of reasons. This may include:

• Developing an understanding of their sexuality and attractions

• Coping with feelings of shame and guilt

• Building healthy relationships and meeting their needs for intimacy

• Mental health difficulties including depression and/or anxiety, perhaps arising from having to suppress parts of themselves due to fears of reactions

• Developing a support system

• Managing attractions and urges

• Ethical and moral concerns and how to align their values with their attractions.

At SafeGround Psychology we recognise that individuals come to therapy for a variety of reasons and therefore therapy will be tailored to a person’s individual needs and desired outcomes. Assumptions will not be made about risk, as we recognise that for many, they do not present a risk to others but rather need support with their own struggles.

“As a MAP seeking therapy, this is what would cause me to feel ... safer ... approaching you: (1) You're not going to judge me based on involuntary thoughts and feelings; (2) You're not going to assume ill intent with every decision in my life; (3) That my attractions are only a part of me, and probably, a small part.”

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