Understanding the Obstacles to Help-Seeking for Minor-Attracted Persons
This project surveyed minor-attracted persons (MAPs) to better understand the obstacles faced when seeking help. The data will improve and enhance effective, ethical counseling interventions for individuals who are concerned about their sexual attraction to minors as well as inform strategies for helping clinicians (and the public) to better understand MAPs. The goal is to prevent child sexual abuse through early intervention and access to services.
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Communities
Adolescents and young adults with sexual attraction to children Adults Boys Girls Men Non-binary Women Youth/Adolescents/Young Adult -
Products
Resource: 2017 ATSA Conference PPT Slides Contact Dr. Levenson
Research: Preventing Sexual Abuse: Perspectives of Minor-Attracted Persons About Seeking Help [Original Research Article in Sexual Abuse] Read the abstract
Research: “I can’t talk about that”: Stigma and fear as barriers to preventive services for minor-attracted persons. [Original Journal article in Stigma & Health] Read the abstract
Research: Beyond the “Ick Factor”: Counseling Non offending Persons with Pedophilia [Original article in Clinical Social Work Journal] Read the abstract
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System
Therapeutic/mental health -
Level
National -
Asset PDF
Strategies
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Enhance Partnerships
Barry University partnered with Catholic University as a co-investigator.
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Learning Circles
Information about this project was presented at several conferences: The Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers 2017 Annual Conference, as well as the 2017 Australia & New Zealand Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abuse in Auckland, NZ. The investigators will be presenting their findings at the ATSA 2018 conference. Additional interest and invitations to present have been fielded for the B4UAct symposium in September 2018 as well as to participate on a Stop It Now! Webinar.
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Provide Resources
A quantitative article about the project was accepted for publication in the journal Sexual Abuse, and a qualitative article is currently under review.
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Measure Impact
The project conducted a qualitative and quantitative survey to create data for research findings (300 participant MAPs population goal).