Waarover nog te weinig gesproken wordt

What is still too rarely discussed: The knowledge and attitudes of Flemish care providers towards individuals with a sexual interest in minors Minor-attracted persons (MAPs) or individuals with sexual interests in minors, face significant stigma, leading them to feel that they have no one to turn to, including to professionals. International studies indicate that professionals generally have limited knowledge about this group and that many are unwilling to work with MAPs. However, it is unclear to what extent these findings apply to Flemish mental health care professionals. The present study aimed to explore the knowledge of and attitudes toward MAPs among Flemish professionals. Additionally, it investigated whether the attitudes of forensic professionals toward MAPs differed from those of non-forensic professionals. The sample included 215 Flemish professionals working in mental health services, with 67.4% employed in a non-forensic setting, who completed an online survey. Participants generally demonstrated sound knowledge about pedophilia and did not exhibit extremely negative attitudes toward this group. Nevertheless, various gaps in knowledge about MAPs (e.g., differences between pedophilia and ephebophilia) were identified, and some professionals showed a highly punitive attitude toward MAPs, along with a lack of knowledge about referral options and professional confidentiality. Professionals who had experience with MAPs, identified a range of factors impeding the treatment of such clients. These results highlight the need for educational programs for students and professionals that not only focus on increasing knowledge about the topic but also provide practical guidance for appropriately referring or treating MAPs.