Unspeakable Acts: Why Men Sexually Abuse Children

by Douglas W. Pryor

A holistic sociological approach that explores why offenders sexually abuse children

The sexual abuse of children is one of the most morally unsettling and emotionally inflammatory issues in American society today. It has been estimated that roughly one out of every four girls and one in ten boys experience some form of unwanted sexual attention either inside or outside the family before they reach adulthood.

How should society deal with the sexual victimization of children? Should known offenders be released back into our communities? If so, where, and with what rights, should they be allowed to live? In Unspeakable Acts , Douglas W. Pryor argues that much of this debate, designed to deal with abusers after they have offended, ignores the important issue of why men cross these forbidden sexual boundaries to molest children in the first place and how the behavior can possibly be prevented before it starts.

Incorporating in-depth interviews with more than thirty convicted child molesters, Pryor explores how men become involved with breaking sexual boundaries with children. He looks at how their lives prior to offending contributed to and led up to what they did, the ways that initial interest in sex with children began, the tactics offenders employed to molest their victims over time, how they felt about and reacted to their behavior between offending episodes, and how they were ultimately able to stop.

The author expands our understanding of this often reviled, little understood group, leaving us with the uneasy conclusion that the moral wall separating us from what is defined as extreme, sick behavior is not as opaque as we would like to believe.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction

362 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Lyreleaf]

For all those with the question WHY?! This book is the only one I’ve found so far that answers a great deal of it.

Because of the subject matter I found it incredibly difficult to get through this book. It’s accessibly written, the language is easy to understand, but it describes something that horrifies me, men abusing children.

It does delve into the how and why and sheds some light on how some of these situations arise and evolve and what these men tell themselves about what is happening, what they’re doing to children dependent on them. Yet more is needed to answer more questions. This is a very good start though.

I cannot imagine being the one speaking with these people, delving into the details, having to be scientific about it. I found it difficult enough to read the results of all the hard work this must have cost. I am grateful the author took this on and organises the information in such a way that it is easy to follow, despite the subject being so hard to understand.

[H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't, by any means, a page-turner. Nor is it a pleasure to read. The writing doesn't even stand out from amongst other psychology texts. But Pryor's awareness, courage, and dedication award us with important information largely unexplored by researchers. It is presented in an appreciably careful and thoughtful manner.

[Yolanda Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read! Their are two sides to the story both the victim and victimizer. If you're brave enough to read the survival stories; then I welcome you to the other side of reality.

[Martyna]

It is very hard to rate a book that kind.

It is substantive research about something which is very hard to understand.

Still, it only focuses on a very specific group of the problem.

Wort reading but it gives much torpor and sadness

[Becky Gabany · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is easily the MOST disturbing book I've ever read. You will need a strong stomach to get through it. It's a fast read, but it is horrifying. I found it at a college book sale during a class on child abuse and neglect. Intense.