The term is a label used by some individuals, advocacy groups, and researchers to describe those who experience a persistent sexual attraction to minors but may or may not have acted on those feelings.
: In clinical and research settings, the term is frequently used to encourage help-seeking behavior by reducing the intense shame and social stigma that often prevents individuals from seeking preventive treatment. Critical Perspectives minorattracted
: Use of the label often emphasizes that attraction and behavior are distinct. Many who adopt the term identify as non-offending MAPs to signal they have not committed illegal acts. The term is a label used by some