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If we are serious about protecting children from sexual abuse we need to hear more from paedophiles, not less, says Stephen Wright
Paedophiles are the villains everyone loves to hate. The media floods us with murderous invective. Newspapers are replete with potted psychology about adults - mainly, but not exclusively, men - who want sex with children. The usual theories are banded about: it is not about sex, it is about power; paedophiles are inadequate adults incapable of adult relationships; low self-esteem is the key.
The current frenzy and demonising of paedophiles is stifling debate and, paradoxically, increasing the risks for children. Anyone struggling with the inner shadow of attraction to children is hardly likely to seek help. So they keep it bottled up until they pop. An alternative - a culture that permits a dialogue on paedophilia so that those at risk can seek help and treatment - seems hopelessly idealistic. There's the rub....