Unconventional harm reduction interventions for Minor-attracted persons

Abstract

Minor-attracted persons raise multiple ethical and legal challenges. Sexual contact between adults and children is justly prohibited on child welfare grounds. Advances in technology raise the prospect of interventions for minor-attracted persons that have the potential to reduce harm to children by diverting would-be offenders to other endeavors that nonetheless may generate moral disgust This essay examines three of these potential harm reduction technologies (sex robots, haptic devices and synthetic child pornography) and raises the possibility that their use can be justified and their acceptance morally obligatory if doing so reduces harm to real children.

Fantasy Sexual Material Use by People with Attractions to Children

“…Although there has been some discussion within clinical spaces about the potential use of sex dolls in therapeutic settings (e.g., in sexual dysfunction, relationship therapy, and preventative settings geared around the reduction of sexual abuse) [ 60 , 90 , 91 ], no empirical work has yet been conducted to explore the efficacy of these (or any other form of FSM) in such contexts. Specifically in relation to people with sexual attractions to children, the relationship between FSM use and help-seeking and treatment needs should be established.…”