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.
PRAISE FOR A LONG, DARK SHADOW
“[Walker’s] 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 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.”
“A Long Dark Shadow tackles an extraordinarily difficult topic—one that is misunderstood by the public, debated by scientific researchers, and contentious in clinical circles. Walker skillfully navigates the complex and delicate web of social, moral, and psychological issues in a narrative woven together with facts, personal accounts, compassion, and evidence-based recommendations. This book will help prevent harm and enhance well-being.”
“A truly unique, important, and compelling contribution to our understanding of an extremely misunderstood and highly stigmatized group. Presented with care, empathy, and compassion.”
In the News
“While pundits on Fox News wring their hands over Walker’s rhetoric 'normalizing' pedophilia, every nine minutes child protective services finds evidence for or substantiates claims of child sexual abuse, according to RAINN. Clearly our current model isn’t working.”
— Rich Juzwiak, Jezebel
“Walker’s research is not about excusing child sexual assault, or condoning it. Instead, they’re trying to prevent it, by exploring preventative strategies and methods that begin with the behavior of adults, rather than placing responsibility on victims to report.”
— Sydney Haulenbeek and Jonathan Fernandes, Mace and Crown
“Walker’s research falls squarely in the field of child sexual abuse prevention, a field that recognizes the importance of identifying at-risk populations and figuring out how to assist them in leading healthy, non-offending lives.”
— Elizabeth Letourneau and Luke Malone, The Washington Post
“The book focuses on nonoffending pedophiles and insists that their experiences can help the criminal-justice system learn how to reduce child sexual abuse. In this, it falls squarely within mainstream harm-reduction models of both medicine and criminology.”
— Len Gutkin, Chronicle of Higher Education