A self-confessed paedophile battling with self-loathing, fear and shame is to "out himself" on TV to ask for more help for people sexually attracted to children in a bid to stop them becoming criminals.
In a controversial Channel Four documentary, entitled The Paedophile Next Door , 39-year-old Eddie admits openly on camera that he has been sexually attracted to girls as young as four since he was in his 20s, but insists that he has never committed a crime.
The programme looks at so-called "virtuous paedophiles" and suggests radical changes are needed to child protection that include treatment and therapy for those who come forward despite never having committed any sex offences.
Eddie, who tells the programme that he is also attracted to adult women, says he has never abused children and does not plan to.
He tells documentary maker Steve Humphries: "People will probably say 'Why isn't this guy locked up? We should kill this guy, we should go and give him a good shoeing'.
"I, honest to God, won't run away from you and if that is what you want to do to me, you come and do it, because all you are doing in that scenario is just keeping the status quo.
"Going around abusing children is not acceptable, viewing images of child pornography is not acceptable, but people are just waiting for you to offend before they help you.
There is support for people who find themselves attracted to children in The United States. I would urge those who feel they might benefit from the professional services available to make contact with http://www.b4uact.org/about.htm as soon as possible.
In my opinion prevention is better than cure. If one child can be saved then this project is well worthwhile.
A self-confessed paedophile battling with self-loathing, fear and shame is to "out himself" on TV to ask for more help for people sexually attracted to children in a bid to stop them becoming criminals.
I think it is a very worthwhile project! This man has feelings, but has not acted on them, (yet). Why not help him get over these feelings, so he is not as tempted? The child it saves may be yours!
I admire him for coming forward with his admission, as it is a very sensitive topic.
Dowser...I agree, he needs help before he does act upon this urge.
Very well written!!