A Struggle to Inquire without Becoming an Un-Critical Non-Criminologist

This article explores effects that getting toknow those involved in child custody strugglesover allegations of sexual abuse, and survivorsof ritual abuse and mind control (RA/MC), havehad on the development of my own theory of howto make peace in the face of violence on theone hand and on how I am receivedprofessionally on the other. The discussionprovides background of how I came to beinvolved with these survivors and why I inferthat I am considered deviant for listening tothem while other criminologists focus ongenerating ``knowledge' based on people theyhardly know. I conclude by reflecting on someinsights for peacemaking criminology gainedfrom RA/MC survivors who have built trusting,trustworthy lives with partners and friends,and who offer lessons on what it takes to moveaway from sadism and toward compassion – totransform a culture into greater community andless violence.