Virtuous Pedophiles is an Internet-based mutual support group and public awareness group for pedophiles who acknowledge having a sexual attraction to children but want to lead normal productive lives without having to engage in sexual acts with them.[1][2] The main goal of the group is to help the public become more aware of the existence of virtuous people with attractions like them. The two founders of the group use the pseudonyms Ethan Edwards and Nick Devin. They do not reveal their true identity for their safety.[1][3]
Recognition
The group's efforts have been discussed by human sexuality experts, such as Jesse Bering.[4]
In 2017, Alexander McBride of Vice News wrote: "many of these claims [of not offending] cannot be verified. Perhaps some are using VirPed as a cover-up; perhaps some, who were even more daring, saw my photo story as a way to prove they had nothing to hide. I cannot guarantee that this is not the case and I can understand why many would be suspicious."[5]
See also
- Prevention Project Dunkelfeld – German clinical support service for individuals who are attracted to minors
- Circles of Support and Accountability – Professionally supervised volunteer groups which support offenders with societal reintegration post incarceration.
- Association for the Treatment and Prevention of Sexual Abuse
References
- ^ a b Clarke-Flory, Tracy (30 June 2012). "Meet pedophiles who mean well: The men behind VirtuousPedophiles.com are attracted to children but devoted to denying their desires". Salon.com.
- ^ Katie Herzog (20 July 2018). "Online Support Groups Can Keep Pedophiles From Offending but They Keep Getting Shut Down". The Stranger; thestranger.com. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
- ^ Amber Hildebrandt (18 July 2014). "Virtuous Pedophiles group gives support therapy cannot". CBC News; www.cbc.ca. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
- ^ Bussel, Rachel Kramer (18 October 2013). "Can Pedophiles Help Themselves? A Book's Provocative Take on Sexuality". The Daily Beast. Retrieved 6 March 2015.
- ^ McBride, Alexander (2017-05-03). "I Spent a Year Living with 'Non-Offending' Pedophiles". Vice News. Retrieved 2022-09-09.