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
Allyn Walker (they / them) is Assistant Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice at Old Dominion University.
"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."
*Criminal Law and Criminal Justice Books*
"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."
*Critical Criminology*
"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."
*British Journal of Criminology*
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