Minor-attracted persons (MAPs; N = 293; 154 completed all questions) responded to 10 open-ended questions that were designed to capture in their own words their experiences of seeking treatment. We conducted a qualitative analysis of their responses using grounded theory, which is designed to allow themes to emerge from their responses without preconceived notions or expectations. Using this method, we coded answers and then calculated the total number of times that each theme was cited across the entirety of the survey. The most prominent theme that participants cited in their responses was the experience and/or fear of stigma (n = 87). Stigma plays a significant role in their willingness to engage in the treatment process. Some participants noted their concerns about how some attractions to minors should be viewed as “normal” and is unfairly stigmatized (“normalizing”; n = 63). Other prominent themes included shame (n = 50), which focused on internal views of themselves as a “bad person”; a perceived lack of understanding by professionals about MAPs (n = 50); and the importance of building a community with other nonoffending MAPs (either in person or online; n = 45). In addition, other identified themes included fear of being judged (n = 31), statements that they had never acted on their attractions (n = 31), and a fear of being reported (n = 31). Implications for practice and policy are discussed.

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Background A growing body of research documents the high rates of trauma among individuals who have sexually offended. Yet the relationship between prior victimization and subsequent sexual offending remained unclear. Objective: By including the voices and perspectives of individuals convicted of sexual offenses, we sought to strengthen professionals’ understanding of the connection between victimization and offending. Method This qualitative study used an online survey to collect data from individuals convicted of sexual offenses (n = 195) with the aims of understanding their perceptions of the link between trauma and offending and what they would like sex-offense treatment providers to know about this connection. Results Using grounded theory, five major themes emerged from the data analysis: Relationship between Trauma Offending (n = 91), Acknowledging the Connection (n = 57), Specific Effects of Trauma (n = 48), Individualized Treatment (n = 34), and Recognition of Humanity (n = 26). Conclusions The participants perceived a strong connection between one’s own victimization and subsequent sexual offending. In addition, they offered specific recommendations for treatment providers, including individualizing treatment with an emphasis on humanity and compassion. Implications for trauma-informed practice and policy are discussed.

Social workers are typically empathic, but it can be challenging to offer compassionate care to those who harmed others and, by extension, to the people who love them. This article describes a trauma-informed support group intervention for family members of individuals required to register as sex offenders (RSOs). We begin with a brief overview of this unique population, review the empirical research exploring family members’ needs and the services available to them, and introduce the trauma-informed framework for our support group. We will then describe the group’s development and dynamics. Finally, we will highlight trauma-informed practice skills and tools for facilitating effective and empowering support services with this hidden and stigmatized population.