Coping with / advice about abuse Books

Book SynopsisShould Rica invite her mother to her wedding? In her early early forties and about to remarry, Rica Ramos realizes that starting over could mean leaving her mother behind. She longs to heal the relationship, but her mother still refuses to acknowledge the sexual abuse Rica suffered at the hands of her stepfather, or her own culpability throughout the years. With old traumas resurfacing and a new life unfolding before her, Rica grasps the power of unspoken grief—and the potential to suffer or heal. Will she and her mother ever cross the chasm between them, or are some secrets meant to stay buried? As Rica navigates her options, she faces two ultimate choices: submit to a culture that shames daughters for not honoring their mothers, or muster the courage to go her own way. Offering a bold and lucid look at mother-daughter relationships, Nobody's Daughter underscores every woman’s right to truth and validation.Trade Review“The vivid process by which she emerges from this reflective journey to a new position of power is very highly recommended . . .” —Midwest Book Review “Nobody's Daughter is a lucid recollection of a childhood no one would have chosen. Ramos’s courage as a sexual abuse survivor has an inspiration of its own. Her yearning for her mother’s love is heartbreakingly raw. In a fiercely candid voice, Ramos has crafted a tale that resonates with the universal truth that our past doesn’t define us; it refines us.” —Allison Hong Merrill, author of Ninety-Nine Fire Hoops “Nobody's Daughter is masterfully written! With insight, love, forgiveness, and an evolved understanding, Rica Ramos dives deep into the complexities of mother-daughter relationships as they are woven through real-life ups and downs and the traumas that so many of us must overcome. A compelling read I could not put down. This book will benefit every woman.” —Linda Lee Blakemore, speaker, advocate, and author of Entrenched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go and Kids Helping Kids Break the Silence of Sexual Abuse

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Book SynopsisHouse of Fire shows that thirty years of breaking free from a cycle of violence was not enough to prepare Elizabeth di Grazia for the trials of starting her own family. Growing up in the 1970s, she suffered repeated sexual abuse, incest, and neglect. Although in the Catholic church, she was forced to have a hushed-up abortion at the age of fourteen. Within a year she was pregnant again, by another brother. Di Grazia gave birth to a son who was quickly taken away and adopted into a family she never knew. Elizabeth's story traces her healing and the creation of an intentional family. She and her partner, Jody, adopted two Guatemalan babies. They learned that provision and protection were not enough, but refused to allow denial and secrets to go unexposed became critical.

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Book SynopsisBe Not Afraid of Love is a stunning collection of interconnected essays and affirmations that follow Mimi Zhu’s journey toward embodying and re-learning love after a violent relationship. In their early twenties, queer Chinese-Australian writer and artist Mimi Zhu was a survivor of intimate-partner abuse. This left them broken, in search of ways to heal and find love again. They found that in words. In sharing their own intimate encounters with oppression, healing, joy and community, Mimi invites readers all over the world to reflect deeply on their own experiences, with the intention of acting as a guide to undoing the hurt or uncertainty within them. This book is a continuation of that re-learning, exploring the intersections of love and fear in self-esteem, friendship, family dynamics and romantic relationships, and extending out to its effects on society and the greater political realm. Mimi's powerful and provocative words will guide and inspire readers to lean into love with softness. Heartrending and revolutionary, Be Not Afraid of Love is a testament to the strength and adaptability all humans possess, and a tribute to love in all its forms. Trade Review'A radical and revolutionary act of love, transcendently written.' – Jonny Sun, New York Times bestselling author of Goodbye, Again 'Tender, insightful and deeply affirming.' – Yrsa Daley-Ward, poet and author of bone, The Terrible, and The How 'Zhu conveys their story with such honesty and clarity that it forges connections to your heart straight through the page.' —Yung Pueblo, New York Times bestselling author of Clarity & Connection'This book will sit close to my heart for a long time. I am so grateful for Zhu's words, mind and existence.' – Fariha Róisín, author of Like a Bird, How to Cure a Ghost, and Who Is Wellness For?

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Book SynopsisThough interpersonal violence is widely studied, much less has been done to understand structural violence, the often-invisible patterns of inequality that reproduce social relations of exclusion and marginalization through ideologies, policies, stigmas, and discourses attendant to gender, race, class, and other markers of social identity. Structural violence normalizes experiences like poverty, ableism, sexual harassment, racism, and colonialism, and erases their social and political origins. The legal structures that provide impunity for those who exploit youth are also part of structural violence's machinery.Working with Indigenous, queer, immigrant and homeless youth across Canada, this five-year Youth-based Participatory Action Research project used art to explore the many ways that structural violence harms youth, destroying hope, optimism, a sense of belonging and a connection to civil society. However, recognizing that youth are not merely victims, Everyday Violence in the Lives of Youth also examines the various ways youth respond to and resist this violence to preserve their dignity, well-being and inclusion in society.

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Book SynopsisIn this book, Vedant has put together eight simple yet highly effective Kung Fu techniques to help protect oneself from the unfortunate possibility of assault.This topical guide addresses: Issues of sexual and physical assault against young women in relation to the Everyone's Invited' movement. The benefits and key forms in Kung Fu that make it the ideal self-defence art. Eight key defence techniques everyone must know.Proceeds from this book are going to Beder, a charity raising awareness around mental health and suicide prevention.

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Book SynopsisIt's hard to be left taking care of your family all by yourself. Parenting alone in the wake of domestic violence, intense conflict or traumatic, unexpected events, makes being 'the parent who stayed' even more difficult. Are you standing in the ruins of your family wondering what the hell you have to do to get back to being ok again? Has the amount of conflict, aggression and shame that came with separation/divorce floored your and your kids? You deserve to be happy, no matter how awful this has been. Parenting alone after traumatic family breakdown is relentless, lonely, scary and hard. The nights you sit on the stairs crying after the kids finally fall asleep. The days you can barely get out of bed but push on through because no-one else is going to pick up the pieces. The times you watch your children crumple into anger, despair and frustration and you simply don’t know what to do. If you feel that you’re stuck in the trenches, this book is for you. It's for you, if even lifting your eyes to the path ahead feels like putting yourself in the firing line. It is for you if you’re just about getting through the day you’re in. It's for you if you know that life cannot change when you have no perspective, no vision, and no plan. You can figure out how to pick up all the broken pieces of your life and put them back together again. Nina Farr, TED Speaker, Author and Leadership Coach (plus ex-lone parent to two under two), can show you how, because she's been there.Trade ReviewAmazon reviews: "An empowering and overwhelmingly positive book so beautifully written that every sentence is worthy of transformation into an inspiring Instagram meme!I love that the reader is gently encouraged into practical action. I cannot wait for my hard copy which before long will no doubt be decorated with my own personal reflections and annotations. I believe that this book will support me as I strive for a better life for me and my daughter." Caroline Danks"This been book could have been my best friend back in the days when I found myself alone, in a new house at a new town, with no friends and family, raising a four year old on my own. No money, no furniture, had to leave uni, and just trying to figure out life again." Sea Dancer"Absolutely loved it, made me realise all the things I was feeling and experiencing were totally normal, great insight and advice for how to work through your challenges. Definitely recommend for any single parent or someone helping support a single parent." Emma M"Nina's book is a beacon to guide you out of the fog. It's ideal for parents moving forward from conflict, trauma and/or domestic abuse. She writes about practical steps you can make to change your thought patterns, and how to rediscover which values you want to live by. She gives inspiring examples of women who have worked through her step-by-step guides, and empowers you to first visualise, then shape, your future.Nothing is spoon-fed to you - you have to put the work in to change your own mindset - but she gives you tools to choose a new definition of stability and a new direction for you and your family." Michaela S"The Parent Who Stayed is an amazing and helpful read for people going through a difficult breakup. I could have done with this book 5 years ago when my own marriage ended unexpectedly in a traumatic way. Nina really has an amazing insight into this and having been through it is very well placed to assist other people on the same journey. She understands what you will be facing and wants to help you through it.The book is designed to be read in useful chunks and helps to guide you on the path to taking charge of your new life and the changes to your family unit. Nina presents the facts very well and gives very good advice and help on how to move along the path, whilst describing and understanding the feelings that you will be going through. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who becomes a single parent but especially those in trauma." Karen Chugg"Absolutely brilliant. For anyone (male or female) who has ever felt the overwhelming, crushing responsibility of lone parenting." Rachel Bradford"I have really enjoyed this book. Nina speaks honestly about her own lone parent journey. It is well written, clear and easy to understand . I would like to keep this as a handbook for life , to support me whilst parenting my own two children. As well as the practical guidance offered in the book I particularly enjoyed reading the case studies. I love reading actual accounts of people like me, women from different backgrounds arriving at the same place as me. Reading how people were able to take an active role in their and their children's lives is encouraging and helps me to have a feeling of solidarity with others and to feel less alone in my situation. Above all this book gives me hope and offers structure where there often is none, many parents have that feeling of coasting, give this a try to help you to regain control and become a leader for your family.""This was such an easy read which is great when you don't have the headspace to focus for long. I found a lot of aha moments and felt the author was walking with me each step of the way and I love that you can become part of a supportive community of others all experiencing similar feelings. I felt it was written with love and conviction and would recommend to any mother feeling stuck. I say mother because it is more aimed at that role but would equally work for fathers." J T Christie"Nina such a beautiful, well written book. I don't even have children and I felt the powerful emotions and rawness of this book. You hold the reader who in her hours of need as she reaches out for your wisdom needs to be held, soothed and supported to carry on being the parent who stayed..With practical advice, guidance and support you show us that it is possible to lead your family from the front even when your world is thrown upside down." Emma Heptonstall, Former Lawyer, Family Mediator and Divorce Coach"I love Nina's honest style of writing, suddenly going through huge changes feel insurmountable. It's like having an amazing friend take your hand and guide you through the dark woods to safety. Gorgeous book x" Miss A K Challacombe "Loved it, worth its weight in gold if you are a single parent."'If you're feeling lost, alone and overwhelmed by your new life situation, this book will take you by the hand and empower you to create a beautiful new life for you and your family.It's a practical guide... but more than this, Nina is someone who's navigated this situation successfully herself and then created a powerful compass to help others in the same situation...Nina's writing is full of empathy, courage, and hope.At a time when you may be feeling the most lost and alone, 'I Am The Parent Who Stayed' is a lifeline and a guide to a new life that you may not even believe is possible yet...Nina's story (and the many case studies) will show you that 'all is not lost'... and the easy to follow steps are the perfect way to change any 'I can't' thoughts into 'I can, and I will... watch me'!''A refreshingly, inspiring approach to support lone parents. This books takes you on an empowering journey from victim to leader, developing a shared vision for a parent and their child. Nina guides the reader on a journey of self and family development, through the complexities of parenting and growing together, flourishing in order to realise your dreams. As someone who has worked in children's services for over twenty years, alongside parenting alone, I find this a supportive and effective, positive model to motivate and change family lives.''After watching Nina's TED talk on 'broken families' and being involved in her Family Vision course, I had to read this book. As ever, Nina's wisdom shines through and knowing that she has lived every word of this book makes it so much more than a 'how-to-divorce' book, it's a manual for a happy and fulfilled life, written by someone who lives by her words. I'm going to give a copy of "I Am The Parent Who Stayed" to any of my friends who end up standing at the precipice of separation, worried about the future as a lone parent. It is uplifting and inspiring while including some real world advice to strengthen your family, whatever it's size and shape.''I've been working in parenting and domestic abuse research for years, and evaluating what works best for vulnerable parents. This book and the Family Vision programme are amazing tools that take a really innovative, strength based and personal approach to the journey of parenting alone. I think the book is insightful and takes an empowering approach to this incredible role of parent leader. I can't wait to see its results when it is handed out to the wider world; it deserves to be shared and we all deserve to share in it.''I can't recommend this book highly enough! Nina writes with heart and soul and offers solid, practical support to solo parents recovering from all manner of abandonment situations. You don't have to sacrifice a happy family when the going gets tough. You've Got This. Now you've got Nina Farr too!A total winner.''Oh my goodness this could have been my story. Beautifully written and poignant. A must read for anyone who finds themselves being a single mum or indeed for those who have previously been there. Highly recommend this book.''Such an amazing, powerful and inspiring book. I will be recommending it to all of my single mum friends- I literally feel like a load has been taken off my shoulders!'

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Book Synopsis"Parenting a distressed child puts us in an extraordinary situation, which demands extraordinary parenting."The reasons why distressed children may behave violently can be complex; this book sets out the biological, psychological, and environmental reasons as to why your child may be displaying violent behaviours and helps you develop strategies to reduce the incidence of violence, de-escalate violent situations and repair relationships following incidents. With the aid of this guide, develop a language to enable children to understand their emotional states in a safe environment. Expertly written by award-winning author, columnist and adoptive parent Sally Donovan and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapist Carly Kingswood; learn how to care for yourself and the children in your lives.Trade ReviewThese two amazing women totally have your corner! They've lived this stuff, but they've also researched it, read it, listened, and thought about it endlessly. Their wisdom is matched only by their empathy and their easy style of writing. This is a no-messing-about guide - grounded and earthy. Laughter and tears are both permitted and may well occur, as they lead you to a more hopeful place. -- Helen Bonnick, Consultant, Speaker and Trainer on child to parent violence and abuse

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Book SynopsisThis book will help the sufferer understand the links between past trauma and present difficulties and offers ways to gain control over these problems, allowing the individual to deal with intrusive memories, manage mood swings and build better relationships in adulthood.

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Book SynopsisDespite heightened media attention and the increase in professional knowledge about child abuse, many children are still being failed by the system. Using attachment theory as a foundation, this book addresses in depth the acute practice dilemmas concerning children who, despite the climate of increased awareness, multi-disciplinary cooperation and legislative and procedural change, cannot easily be protected.The contributors give guidelines for working with the children, in particular those who, unable to disclose their experience themselves, are the most difficult to support. Illustrated throughout with case material and informed by the experiences of survivors themselves, the book presents a framework for well managed and resourced, flexible and integrated intervention with children, their families, and the community that will enable professionals and families to work together to break the `cycle of abuse'.Trade ReviewThis is not an easy book, emotionally or intellectually. Some of the cases described are harrowing and the contributors are working at the cutting edge of treatment for abused children. This is not a "beginner's text" but there are insights to be had for professionals who are working with families where CSA is an issue, or are interested in how systems can help- or indeed hinder- a child's recovery. -- Community PractitionerThe book questions how much this country has moved on since 1987, but there are some positive suggestions among the gloom. This is interesting reading for policy-makers as well as practitioners. -- Child Abuse ReviewA profound examination of the practice dilemmas of dealing with child sexual abuse... Vivid analysis of the impact of Cleveland personally and professionally, which makes this study essential reading for students and practitioners. -- Community CareDocumented throughout with case material and informed by the experiences of survivors themselves. Although this book is primarily for professionals working with children, it will make shocking but insightful reading for anyone who wants to be more informed about the way our children are helped - or not - by society today. -- www.familyonwards.comThere is some very important material for practitioners in these chapters. Attachment theory is convincingly presented as an approach that enables us to understand the consequences of child sexual abuse and support the healing of process with those who disclose. The importance of protective parents, particularly mothers for the long-term well-being who have been sexually abused is a constant theme. A strong case is made for the fact that many children who have been abused may not verbalize what has happened to them and that sensitive therapeutic services are required to meet their needs... A rich and persuasive analysis of the needs of children and their relatives with regard to both the discovery of and long-term response to child sexual abuse. -- Journal of Social WorkTable of ContentsForeword, Frank Cook. Introduction, Sue Richardson, Independent psychotherapist and trainer and Heather Bacon, Clinical Psychologist NHS. 1. Unspeakable Truths: Child Sexual Abuse and the Media, Tim Tate, Journalist. 2. Piecing the Fragments Together, Sue Richardson and Heather Bacon. 3. Attachment, Trauma and Child Sexual Abuse: An Exploration, Heather Bacon. 4. Telling the Baby Crocodile's Story: Attachment and the Continuum of Disclosure, Heather Bacon. 5. Multi-Perpetrator Abuse of Children: Mothers of the Victims Tell their Stories, Isabel Brooks, League against Sadistic Abuse. 6. Flamingos or Sparrows? Paediatricians and the Recognition of Child Sexual Abuse, Jane Wynne, Former paediatrician. 7. Advocacy for the Sexually Abused Child: The Role of the Guardian ad Litem, Pat McGlouglin, Guardian ad Litem. 8. A Zebra among Horses: Sexually Abused Children in the Care System, Heather Bacon. 9. Pre-Trial Therapy with Children who have been Sexually Abused, Tink Palmer, Barnardo's Bridgway Project. 10. Monsters and Angels: How Can Child Victims Achieve Resolution?, Maggie Ambridge, Art therapist, NHS. 11. Daleks and Kerb Stones: Surviving the Aftermath of Abuse, Maggie Ambridge, Art Therapist, Cara Henry, social worker and Sue Richardson. 12. Maintaining Awareness of Unspeakable Truths: Responses to Child Abuse in the Longer Term, Sue Richardson. Bibliographic references. Index

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Book SynopsisAll too often child victims of abuse either remain silent or are not listened to when they do decide to speak of their experiences, but The Truth is Longer Than a Lie gives abused children and young people a voice.This groundbreaking book reveals what young victims have to say about abuse and its effects on their lives; their views on the reasons for abuse; their opinions of abusers and non-offending parents; and how they felt about disclosing their experiences. Significantly, this book provides important insights into children's perceptions of the professionals who intervened - to protect them, to prosecute the abuser or to provide therapeutic counselling. The authors examine societal factors that increase children's vulnerability, and propose measures for preventing abuse. They outline the requirements of ethically sound research, including appropriate interviewing techniques, and conclude with recommendations for future research.The Truth is Longer Than a Lie is invaluable reading for social workers, child protection workers, counsellors, legal professionals and anyone working with abused children.Trade ReviewThis excellent book places the voices of child victims of abuse at the centre of an exploration of their experiences. That this should be seen to be a unique approach to the subject is bot sobering and exciting... The book will be of interest to social workers, child protection workers, academics, students and anyone working with abused children. From my perspective as a Lecturer in Social Work, I found the approach and subject matter resonated with the wider movement towards including and responding to the views of service users in both education and practice. -- Journal of Children's ServicesTable of Contents1. The power of children's voices. 2. The silencing of children. 3.Child-centred practice: the foundation to effective research with children who have been abused. 4. The ethics of listening to children in research. 5. A chance to be heard: involving children who have been abused in research. 6. Children's voices: their views on abuse and the impact of abuse. 7. Children's voices: their views about making disclosures, about abusers and about non-offending parents. 8. Children's voices: Their experiences of professional intervention. 9. Children as hostages to abuse. 10. Children's vulnerability to abuse: a double-edged issue. 11. The complexity of listening professionally to children. 12. The way forward. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisThis updated and expanded edition provides comprehensive coverage of the theory and practice of counselling survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA). In a reasoned and thoughtful approach, common stereotypes of abusers and their victims are replaced with current knowledge on the incidence of CSA and its long-term impacts on adult survivors.Christiane Sanderson explores the therapeutic relationship from building trust and meeting the client's needs to establishing boundaries, addressing transference issues and avoiding secondary traumatic stress. She evaluates various treatment approaches and techniques, and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of group therapy. Stand-alone chapters provide in-depth coverage of:* CSA's impact on survivors' sense of self and their relationships with others* self-harming behaviour, including self-injury, substance abuse and eating disorders* how memory is constructed and reconstructed, including the controversial issues surrounding recovered memories* useful approaches to coping with fear and loss from working with other types of trauma* normal sexual development and typical sexual difficulties for survivors* working with shame and dissociation.Counselling Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse honestly addresses the complex issues in this important area of work. It provides practical strategies for those new to counselling in this field and valuable new insights for experienced counsellors.Trade ReviewThis is an expanded and revised third edition of a well-respected text, and I cannot imagine there is a more comprehensive, account of the impact of sexual abuse on the adult survivors. -- Mental Health Today, Feb 2007The publication of this edition should be welcomed. It has been totally updated and revised, with a different structure of chapter titles that are both clear and informative. Sanderson really thought hard about how to build on the earlier edition. -- Community Care Magazine, January 2007There has been a large increase in awareness, knowledge and understanding of the issues that permeate childhood sexual abuse (CSA), both within the counselling field and the public. Much of this is down to the work of researchers and writers, such as Christine, who strive to bring together and report into the public domain what life is like, long term, for a survivor of CSA and the issues they have. There is much new material in this updated edition, such as in-depth chapters on self-harming behaviour, memory, sexuality and many more - all serving to provide the reader with a book that, despite the subject matter, is easy to read, follow and understand. In my opinion this book will be of great value to those already working with CSA survivors and essential for those who are considering such work. -- Therapy TodayThe third edition of this helpful book is shaped by current research and the author's clinical experience, and links current knowledge in child sexual abuse (CSA) with its impact and long-term effects. There is a great deal to take in... but the effort is worthwhile. -- The PsychologistThis excellent book is comprehensive in addressing the complex issues of working with child sexual abuse (CSA). This thought-provoking and optimistic book gives valuable new insights surrounding CSA and its impact. Suitable for experienced practitioners and those new to counselling, both will be able to use it as a reference guide when working with survivors who have specific presenting symptoms, how best to work with such symptoms, and how they relate to CSA. I have worked within this field for almost 20 years and I welcome this valuable resource, it has increased both my understanding and knowledge, this helps me to be more effective in enabling a client move from, as Christiane states, "Victim to survivor to Feeling Alive". -- Accord MagazinePraise for the second edition:'Counselling Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse addresses the myths and mysteries while propelling a lifeline to both the health professional and the adult survivor. This is probably the most complete book on sexual abuse in publication.' -- Nursing Ethicsthis excellent book strikes a good balance between theory, data and practical advice for workers and includes illustrative case material and practical strategies for counsellors. It conveys both the experiences of survivors and the enormous amount that can be achieved. It is a stimulating and optimistic book which would be suitable for all workers in this important area. -- Criminal Behaviour and Mental HealthChristiane Sanderson's book is a comprehensive text on the subject of working with adult survivors of child sexual abuse. It is through in its exploration of the many facets of this work. This is a shocking subject, and the author does not protect us from the harsh realities, which is one of the book's strengths. -- HCPJ, January 2007Counselling adult survivors of child sexual abuse is an essential addition to the libraries of clinics and counselling services, and essential reading for counsellors and researchers working in the field. -- HCPJ January 2007Table of ContentsPreface 1. Understanding Child Sexual Abuse. 2. The Impact and Long Term Effects of Child Sexual Abuse on Ault Survivors. 3. Understanding Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse. 4. Working with Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse. 5. Working with Child Sexual Abuse and Trauma. 6. Working with Child Sexual Abuse and Dissociation. 7. Working with Child Sexual Abuse and Memory. 8. Working with Child Sexual Abuse and Self-Harm. 9. Working with the Shattered Self. 10. Working with Shame. 11. Working with Sexuality. 12. Professional issues. References. Indexes.

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Book SynopsisTalking to My Mum is an activity pack for five-eight-year-olds whose families have experienced domestic abuse to help and encourage them to open up to their mothers about their distressing experiences.Based on the authors' work with families who have experienced domestic abuse, the book is full of illustrated worksheets featuring animal characters who encourage the young reader to explore a range of memories, such as changes in the family's living arrangements or happy memories with siblings or favourite toys that each prompt a particular emotion. These activities are accompanied by guidance on how to use them appropriately. Talking to My Mum is designed for children and their mothers to complete together, and will assist both child and mother with improving communication about the past, present and future.This activity pack will be an essential tool for families with children who have lived through domestic abuse, as well as social workers and other professionals working with them.Trade ReviewTalking to my mum, the companion voulune to Talking about Domestic Abuse, is a well-organised, easy-to-read activity workbook providing another excellent resource, this time for working with children aged between five and eight years old, who have experienced domestic abuse within their families. With the use of current research, the authors have shown great understanding and sensitivity in identifying issues that contribute to the difficulties women and children face when living within or leaving an abusive relationship. The workbook activities, with their excellently illustrated woodland characters, have been developed to attract and draw on the imagination of young children. Each activity introduces characters as a way for mothers and children to talk symbolically about positive and negative memories, changes that have happened in their lives, to identify and express feelings and move feeling and move forward on their journey to anew life. All the activities offer the opportunity for mothers and children to spend quality time together. Families can rebuild positive relationships in a safe, creative and fun way. This can only be helpful to the child's future development and self-esteem, and also to the mother's belief in herself as a parent. Both books would be essential tools for practitioners working with children and young people whose families have experienced domestic abuse. They are clearly written and illustrated in an engaging style that grasps the reader's attention. They also deepen an understanding of how and why a creative approach with children can work in the healing process. -- Counselling Children and Young PeopleThis a great book for mothers and children who have experienced domestic violence. It is very practical and explains each activity to the adult with lovely illustrations and offers activities for the child to work through. It could be used by a clinician (or other worker) with the child, but it is perhaps best used by a mother with her own child. -- youthmind.co.ukThis picture workbook contains activities for five- to eight-year-olds who have been affected by domestic abuse, to help them recover and move on. Designed for children and their mothers to complete together, the book includes guidance for mothers on how to do this in a sensitive manner. The activities, which have been developed by the authors, are based on their own work with families who have experienced domestic abuse. -- Children NowTable of ContentsAcknowledgements. Foreword by June Freeman. Introduction and guidance. Section 1: Early days. 1. Me and my mum. 2. Your new friends. 3. Exploring the place where you live. 4. Exploring the refuge. 5. Changes I like and things I miss. 6. Match the feelings. 7. The same and different. 8. About safety. Section 2: Talking about things that matter. 9. Wise ideas from Ollie. 10. More about us. 11. A story about Nibbles and Prickles. 12. Good things and bad things. 13. Good times and bad times. 14. Bas talks about changes in families. 15. Talking about my dad. 16. Taz imagines a happy time. 17. Feelings tree. Section 3: Moving on. 18. Keeping track of my life. 19. Moving on. 20. Safe hands. 21. My space. 22. Looking backwards and looking forwards. Certificate. Reflection sheet and feedback form. Conclusion. Useful contacts.

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Book SynopsisTalking about Domestic Abuse is an activity pack for children of nine years and above and adolescents where families have experienced domestic abuse, to help and encourage them to open up to their mothers about their distressing experiences.Based on the authors' work with families who have experienced domestic abuse, the activities are designed around four important themes: building self-esteem; naming feelings; facilitating communication between mothers and children; and talking about personal experiences, including domestic violence, and are accompanied by photographs which act as prompts for discussion. The authors explain the need of young people to communicate with their parents about painful memories. They also establish practical 'ground rules' on how mothers can enter into that communication successfully and how to make the most of the activities provided. Further information is also given on support services that are available to families coping with domestic abuse.This will be an essential tool for families including young people who have lived through domestic abuse, as well as social workers and other professionals working with them.Trade ReviewTalking about Domestic Abuse is an excellent resource for working with children from approximately nine years to adolescents who have experienced domestic abuse. The main focus of the activities is to develop a safe, accepting environment where young people and their mothers can tell their stories, explore concerns, share triumphs and discover their uniqueness, enabling them to move forward together. Both books would be essential tolls for practitioners working with children and young people whose families have experienced domestic abuse. They are clearly written and illustrated in an engaging style that grasps the readers' attention. They also deepen the understanding of how and why a creative approach with children can work in the healing process. -- Counselling Children and Young PeopleDeveloped for use with mothers and young people who have experienced domestic violence, this is a very useful book. It has a good section on the type of experiences people may have had and how this might impact on them, which is likely to be helpful to mothers wanting to start doing this work with their children... The book is designed to be used with children from 9 years old to adolescence and might be too simplistic a format for older children. However, the activities would give parents helpful suggestions about ways to talk with older children too. -- youthinmind.co.ukMother: "I found the book useful in gaining an understanding of what my children felt was good about living in our new home in comparison to when we were in refuge a year ago without having to ask the question so directly".Children: "The pages were fun and it was good to colour in with Mum and my sisters. Mum didn't know how much I liked sleeping in bunk-beds".Student Social Worker: "This resource gave the children I worked with a safe environment to explore their past experiences, display their emotions and empower them to recognise that their voices need to be heard so that the healing process can begin"My views: "How refreshing to work with families by addressing how domestic abuse has and can affect the family unit with an activity resource that is both user friendly and child-focused. The book has equipped families with an approach for tackling a delicate issue and its effect on the family in a way that is empowering, open and honest and allows them to move forward positively". -- www.adoption-net.co.ukI believe that anything which helps to encourage children to talk about their experiences should be welcomed, and this book sets out clearly the rules and tips for getting started. Domestic abuse is rife in our society and as any professional knows it is often hidden behind closed doors. Even today there is still some shame attached to admitting there is domestic violence at home- the secrecy adds an intolerable burden on all family members. The activities in this workbook were developed with the help of mothers and young people who have lived with domestic abuse. -- www.familyonwards.comTable of ContentsAcknowledgements. Foreword by June Freeman. Introduction and guidance. Section 1: Early days. 1. Things about me and Mum. 2. Feelings tree. 3. What makes us feel good. 4. What I think about the place where I live now. 5. Shared living areas - what's the big idea? 6. Having a bad day. 7. Feelings puzzle. 8. Checking in. Section 2: Talking about things that matter. 9. Sharing the good times: A starring memory. 10. The secrecy habit. 11. Don't bottle it up! Talking about feelings. 12. Excitement and fear. 13. Let's talk about anger. 14. Things I like and things Mum likes. 15. Changes in my family. 16. Feelings about Dad. 17. Chilling out. 18. Other issues outside the home. Section 3: Moving on. 19. Keeping track of my life. 20. Worries and excitement. 21. Risks and safety. 22. Changes we have made. 23. Moving on - where next? 24. Looking backwards, looking forwards. Certificate. Reflection sheet and feedback form. Conclusion. Useful contacts.

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Book Synopsis*Shortlisted for the Young Minds Book Prize 2006*Shattered Lives bears witness to the lives of children who have experienced abuse and neglect, and highlights the effects of early traumatic episodes. Chapters take the form of letters to a child capturing their life experiences, hugely impacted by sexual abuse, parental substance misuse and loss, leading to feelings of shame, rejection and worthlessness. Batmanghelidjh offers understanding for those baffled by these hard-to-reach children and warns against stigmatizing them for their problem behaviour. In her critique of existing structures, she exposes the plight of children who are overlooked by the authorities and denounces those who value bureaucracy over the welfare of the individual child. Society's failure to acknowledge the truth of their experiences and act to change the environment in which such mistreatment can flourish is, she strongly argues, leading to the death of childhood. The book is a clarion call for change.Trade ReviewThe book is highly accessible as it has been written for the general reader, however, it is also thought-provoking for educational psychologists... I would recommend this book particularly for those working with highly vulnerable children. -- DebateCamila Batmanghelidjh is well known for her work with charities ' The prince 2 be' and 'Kids Company' She is a powerful and persuasive publis speaker and speaks eloquently about the way society treats some of our most damaged young people. The book is a powerful and emotional testament that should be read by every person working with young people, and every parent. -- Social Policy and Social Work Subject CentreShattered life not only made me think, it moved me to tears, it inspired me, it made me angry. Whatever you feel when reading this book, I guarantee you won't feel neutral. It's straight talking with the fighting gloves off! This book is written because of fundamental flaws in our society: the way we treat our children and young people, and the way services are structured. It points its finger directly at each and every one of us, as parents, as workers, as society as a whole and it demands that things should change. Without a doubt, Camilla Batmanghelidjh (founder of the Place to Be and Kids Company) is a passionate and inspiring woman who has dedicated her life to working with vulnerable and emotionally damaged young people. Using her experience and psychotherapy training she provides the reader with an introduction to therapeutic thinking, written in a way which is easy to read and digest. She explores the impact of shattered lives and provides insight into the consequences of such, explaining how working with such despair may impact on workers and their subsequent relationship with the young person. -- Youth & PolicyThis is a book which made me weep. It is in the very best Jessica Kingsley tradition of books which take a radical, innovative or immensely practical approach to matters, and most often all three. This particular book provokes a leap of the imagination to show what can be possible in work with disturbed children - given an inspired therapist, a charismatic individual prepared to mortgage her home in order to keep the work going, and a team of willing staff and volunteer mentors.The book mainly takes the form of a series of letters from Camila Batmanghelidjh to children who had been subject to abuse and neglect in their lives. A letter to 'Chardonnay' touches the pain of a child who was sexually abused by her father and other men; a letter to 'Daisy' acknowledges the extremes of abuse and impoverishment at the hands of her mother and then neglect from social services; a letter to'Mr Mason' depicts the vulnerability of a boy subject to the vacillations of a drug-addicted mother and a cruel stepfather and the growing anger and violence within in response to experience which showed that power is often perverse and destructive, and that a brutalised life creates a brutal being. There are other letters, too, which signify an apology to each of the children within, and which so very clearly demonstrate the kind of extraordinary stamina which is needed to reach and sustain those young people who are so desperate, dangerous, delinquent and destroyed... It is an important and moving book for all who work with, study, have responsibillity for, or simply care about, children. -- The Howard JournalTable of ContentsIntroduction. 1. The Witnessing. 2. Introduction to Therapeutic Thinking. 3. Exploring the Impact of Sexual Abuse - Letter to Chardonnay. 4. Shame - Letter to Daisy. 5. Adaptive Violence - Letter to Mr Mason. 6. Psychosocial Vulnerabilities Leading to Violence - Letter to Rocky. 7. Cradled in Terror - Children's Capacity to be Violent. 8. Legitimizing Neglect? Achieving the Best for Clients and Workers - Letter to Flower. 9. Parental Addictions - Letter to Julie. 10. Letter to Deny, Cry and Try. Conclusion. Appendix 1: The Basic "Who's Who?" of the Therapy World. Appendix 2: Substance Misuse: A Tourist's Guide.

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Book SynopsisThis book draws on a wide range of evidence to explore the facts about the relationship between substance misuse and domestic violence and their effect on children, and examines the response of children's services when there are concerns about the safety and welfare of children.It reveals the vulnerability of these children and the extent to which domestic violence, parental alcohol or parental drug misuse impact on children's health and development, affect the adults' capacity to undertake key parenting tasks, and influence the response of wider family and the community. It includes parents' own voices and allows them to explain what help they feel would best support families in similar situations. The authors explore the extent to which current local authority plans, procedures, joint protocols and training support information sharing and collaborative working. Emphasising the importance of an holistic inter-agency approach to assessment, planning and service provision, the authors draw from the findings implications for policy and practice in both children and adult services.This book is essential reading for all professionals working to promote the welfare and wellbeing of children and those working with vulnerable adults, many of whom are parents.Trade ReviewThis is research which is clearly having an impact on policy and commissioning decisions at both senior central government and local levels. It is also research which should inform all social work practitioner's decisions on a case-by-case basis (including Cafcass practitioners). This is, therefore, a book I wood recommend strongly to both FCAs and FSWs involved in public and private law cases. -- Cafcass, within Channel C Staff publicationTable of ContentsAcknowledgements. Foreword. 1. Introduction. 2. The response of children's social care. 3. Collaborative working. 4. Families' experience of referral and assessment. 5. Families' experience of services. 6. Plans, procedures and joint protocols. 7. Training. 8. Conclusions and implications for policy and practice. Appendix I. Appendix II. References. Subject index. Author index.

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Book SynopsisPraise for the first edition:'Ann Cattanach writes with enormous empathy and warmth, and with a refreshing lack of sentimentality... [This] is an unpretentious and optimistic book, and a very positive addition to recent publications.'- British Association of Play Therapists'I would recommend the book to anyone working in this field. This is a well presented, clear and easy-to-read book, providing a balanced mixture of factual information and case material.' - British Journal of Occupational Therapy'What impressed me so much about this work was Cattanach's knowledge of children and their inherent strengths as well as their vulnerabilities. This practical and easy to apply book is recommended for anyone who works with abused children and would like further insight as well as practical and informative advice on healing the traumatized child.'- Trauma and Loss: Research and Interventions'Her accounts of the way in which play is used to make sense of traumatic experiences are full of insight and often moving. All aspects of the work are covered. This is an exceptional volume - goes far beyond a mere text book.' - Therapy WeeklyThis second edition of Ann Cattanach's highly commended book explores the use of play therapy with abused children as a way of helping them heal their distress and make sense of their experiences through expanding their own creativity in play.The book provides practical ways of starting play therapy with abused children and explains how the child can use this process for healing. Models of intervention are described with consideration given to the particular needs of the child and the work setting of the therapist. Suggestions include short and medium term interventions, individual/group and sibling work. This edition provides new case study material, up-to-date information on relevant legislation on children's rights and welfare and recent developments in research in the field.This book is essential reading for professionals working with abused children, as well as those interested in the use of creative therapies.Trade ReviewPlay Therapy with Abused Children is a text that presents a powerful way of working with a particular group of children. Cattanach uses the theory and practice illustrated to make the reader aware of the negative experiences that these children may bring to the therapeutic play sessions. In doing this, she prepares the reader for the reality of what practitioners encounter within the therapeutic work but also indicates the benfit that the children experience as a consequence of working in this non-directive and playful way. -- DebateCattanach's style exudes warmth and compassion and has enabled the text to retain its human perspective. but the addition of a subject index makes it far more accessible for those new in this field. The text continues to cover a broad range of topis, from the history and cultural context of play, through to consideration of the fundamentals of play therapy before using case examples to probe different types of child harm within a clinical text. To gain an understanding of the impact of harm on a child and the use of play therapy to aid the child in seeking resolution, this book remains a key introductory text to the field. -- Children & Young People NowThis insightful book is a must read for anyone in contact with abused children, Ann Cattanach's practical approach provides a good starting point for carers, adopters, teachers and workers alike. Practising therapists will also gain greatly from the wisdom in these pages. Readers will be struck by the immense inner strength Ann has for herself, in her capacity to come so close to experiences and in understanding and supporting the children's healing. Readers will want to keep this book on their shelf to refer to many times over: Highly recommended. -- Adoption TodayThe book has become a classic in play therapy and related fields... This book is essential reading for professionals working with abused children. -- Play for LifeTable of Contents1. The Rights of Children and the Abused Child. The Rights of Children. New Approaches to the Care and Support of Children in the United Kingdom. Every Child Matters: Change for Children. Protecting Children and Young People: The Charter. The Abused Child is the Invisible Child. Definitions of Child Abuse. The Trauma of Abuse. The Effects of Abuse on the Child's Future Development. The Effects of Sexual Abuse on Children. Transition from Victim to Abuser. 2. Play Therapy as a Healing Process for Abused Children. The Meaning of Play. What is Play? Play as a Cultural Phenomena. History of the Study of Play. Child Development Theories and Play. Representing the Social World in Play. Play and Dramatic Play. Playing with Children. Children Playing Together. Play as Therapy. Non-Directive Play Therapy. Cognitive-Behavioural Play Therapy. Prescriptive Play Therapy. Play and Healing for Abused Children. 3. Starting Play Therapy: Settings, Materials, Boundaries. Play Therapy to Heal the Hurt Child. The Therapist. Supervision. Assessing the Need for Therapy. Timing the Intervention. Information about the Child. Investigations and Therapy. Starting Play Therapy. Finding a Safe Place for the Child. Material for Play. Play with Toys. The Use of Toys and Play Material in Play Therapy Across Cultures. 4. The Play Therapy Process for the Abused Child. The Play Therapy Process for the Abused Child. The Role of the Therapist. Preparation for Play. Starting Play. In the Middle Lies the Monster. Am I a Monster? Losing the Monster. The Final Stages of Play. Becoming Visible. 5. Play Therapy with Physically Abused Children. Helping the Physically Hurt Child through Play. 6. The Emotionally Abused Child. Emotional Abuse. The Sessions. 7. The Sexually Abused Child. The Difficulties of Young Children. Children with Learning Difficulties. Sexually Abused Boys. Getting Rid of the Monster: Ways of Coping. 8. The Therapist's Journey. References. Books for Children. Index.

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Book Synopsis*Shortlisted for the Young Minds Book Prize 2006*Shattered Lives bears witness to the lives of children who have experienced abuse and neglect, and highlights the effects of early traumatic episodes. Chapters take the form of letters to a child capturing their life experiences, hugely impacted by sexual abuse, parental substance misuse and loss, leading to feelings of shame, rejection and worthlessness. Batmanghelidjh offers understanding for those baffled by these hard-to-reach children and warns against stigmatizing them for their problem behaviour. In her critique of existing structures, she exposes the plight of children who are overlooked by the authorities and denounces those who value bureaucracy over the welfare of the individual child. Society's failure to acknowledge the truth of their experiences and act to change the environment in which such mistreatment can flourish is, she strongly argues, leading to the death of childhood. The book is a clarion call for change.Trade ReviewThe book is highly accessible as it has been written for the general reader, however, it is also thought-provoking for educational psychologists... I would recommend this book particularly for those working with highly vulnerable children. -- DebateCamila Batmanghelidjh is well known for her work with charities ' The prince 2 be' and 'Kids Company' She is a powerful and persuasive publis speaker and speaks eloquently about the way society treats some of our most damaged young people. The book is a powerful and emotional testament that should be read by every person working with young people, and every parent. -- Social Policy and Social Work Subject CentreShattered life not only made me think, it moved me to tears, it inspired me, it made me angry. Whatever you feel when reading this book, I guarantee you won't feel neutral. It's straight talking with the fighting gloves off! This book is written because of fundamental flaws in our society: the way we treat our children and young people, and the way services are structured. It points its finger directly at each and every one of us, as parents, as workers, as society as a whole and it demands that things should change. Without a doubt, Camilla Batmanghelidjh (founder of the Place to Be and Kids Company) is a passionate and inspiring woman who has dedicated her life to working with vulnerable and emotionally damaged young people. Using her experience and psychotherapy training she provides the reader with an introduction to therapeutic thinking, written in a way which is easy to read and digest. She explores the impact of shattered lives and provides insight into the consequences of such, explaining how working with such despair may impact on workers and their subsequent relationship with the young person. -- Youth & PolicyThis is a book which made me weep. It is in the very best Jessica Kingsley tradition of books which take a radical, innovative or immensely practical approach to matters, and most often all three. This particular book provokes a leap of the imagination to show what can be possible in work with disturbed children - given an inspired therapist, a charismatic individual prepared to mortgage her home in order to keep the work going, and a team of willing staff and volunteer mentors.The book mainly takes the form of a series of letters from Camila Batmanghelidjh to children who had been subject to abuse and neglect in their lives. A letter to 'Chardonnay' touches the pain of a child who was sexually abused by her father and other men; a letter to 'Daisy' acknowledges the extremes of abuse and impoverishment at the hands of her mother and then neglect from social services; a letter to'Mr Mason' depicts the vulnerability of a boy subject to the vacillations of a drug-addicted mother and a cruel stepfather and the growing anger and violence within in response to experience which showed that power is often perverse and destructive, and that a brutalised life creates a brutal being. There are other letters, too, which signify an apology to each of the children within, and which so very clearly demonstrate the kind of extraordinary stamina which is needed to reach and sustain those young people who are so desperate, dangerous, delinquent and destroyed... It is an important and moving book for all who work with, study, have responsibillity for, or simply care about, children. -- The Howard JournalTable of ContentsIntroduction. 1. The Witnessing. 2. Introduction to Therapeutic Thinking. 3. Exploring the Impact of Sexual Abuse - Letter to Chardonnay. 4. Shame - Letter to Daisy. 5. Adaptive Violence - Letter to Mr Mason. 6. Psychosocial Vulnerabilities Leading to Violence - Letter to Rocky. 7. Cradled in Terror - Children's Capacity to be Violent. 8. Legitimizing Neglect? Achieving the Best for Clients and Workers - Letter to Flower. 9. Parental Addictions - Letter to Julie. 10. Letter to Deny, Cry and Try. Conclusion. Appendix 1: The Basic "Who's Who?" of the Therapy World. Appendix 2: Substance Misuse: A Tourist's Guide.

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Book SynopsisCounselling Survivors of Domestic Abuse explains how counsellors can facilitate recovery from domestic abuse within a secure, supportive therapeutic relationship.There has been growing awareness in recent years of the impact and consequences of domestic abuse, especially the relationship between domestic abuse and mental health. To appreciate the nature of trauma caused by domestic abuse, professionals need to understand its complex nature and the psychobiological impact of repeated exposure to control and terror. This book examines the therapeutic techniques and specific challenges, such as secondary traumatic stress, faced by professionals when working with survivors of domestic abuse. The author stresses the importance of identifying domestic abuse so that it can be addressed in the therapeutic process to aid recovery, and explores issues such as safety and protection, the long-term effects of abuse and the importance of grieving to the restoration of hope.This book is essential reading for counsellors, therapists, social workers, mental health professionals, health care professionals including GPs and midwives, managers of refuges, legal professionals and all those working with survivors of domestic abuse.Trade ReviewThis book is comprehensive in approach and challenging in content. -- AccordOverall, Counselling Survivors of Domestic Abuse provides an excellent resource for counsellors and health professionals who work with domestic abuse. I would suggest that it is an essential read not only to better understand the phenomenology of survivors, but also to facilitate self-reflection and self-understanding. -- Healthcare Counselling and Psychotherapy JournalThe book is hugely on psychosocial aspects of domestic abuse as well as drawing together applicable clinical thinking from a wide range of theoretical orientations, with extensive bibliography and indexes. A holistic approach is reflected in chapters on understanding the domestic abuse relationship, assessing risk, clinical engagement, hope and, importantly, impact on the professional. This is a useful teaching and study aid, a reference book for agencies to keep to hand, as well as a 'secure base' for domestic abuse specialists to develop and refresh their skills, thinking and case management. -- Therapy TodayThis is a thoughtful, informative and thorough response to the complex and sensitive issues surrounding counselling for those who have experienced domestic abuse. Initially, the book examines the extent and nature of domestic abuse, before turning its attention to the therapeutic role of working with survivors highlighting the importance of safety and the restoration of self-empowerment. It is a great book and will be invaluable to professionals working within the therapeutic process, whether GPs, mental health professionals, counsellors, midwives, social workers or independent domestic violence advisors, to name but a few. Students of various disciplines reflected by these professions whould be recommended this book as essential reading. -- Professional Social WorkTable of ContentsAcknowledgements. Introduction. 1. Understanding Domestic Abuse. 2. Understanding the Impact and Long-Term Effects of Domestic Abuse. 3. Understanding Survivors of Domestic Abuse. 4. Working with Survivors of Domestic Abuse. 5. Working with Safety and Protection Strategies. 6. Working with Trauma of Domestic Abuse. 7. Working with Self-Aspects of Domestic Abuse. 8. Working with Relational Aspects of Domestic Abuse. 9. Working with Loss and the Restoration of Hope. 10. Professional Issues when Working with Survivors of Domestic Abuse. Resources. Bibliography. Subject Index. Author Index.

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Book SynopsisThis book is a practical tool for the assessment of adults who sexually abuse children.It examines the impact of sexual abuse on children, enables professionals to evaluate the risk presented by adults who have sexually abused children, and provides a framework for the assessment of parents or carers and their ability to protect their children. The book includes checklists that practitioners can use to interpret the information they collect, and is illustrated with a central case study that demonstrates how the assessment profile can be used.This book is a helpful resource for anyone undertaking assessments that have involved the sexual abuse of children. It is also of interest to others involved in child protection, such as social workers, health professionals, teachers, and legal and criminal justice professionals.Trade ReviewThis book provides an excellent practice tool for assessment of adults who sexually abuse children. -- SWAP E-bulletinTable of ContentsIntroduction. Safeguarding Children. Introduction to the Practitioners' Tool. Chapter 1: The Child. 1.1 The Child. 1.2 Sally's Story. Chapter 2: The Abusing Adult. 2.1 Adults Who Sexually Abuse Children. 2.2 Beginning the Assessment. 2.3 Assessment of the Abusing Adult. 2.4 The Case Study. 2.5 The Family Structure. 2.6 Chronology. 2.7 Experiences from Childhood to Adult Life. 2.8 The Adults' Perception of Self. 2.9 Adult Relationships. 2.10 Perception of Children of `The Family'. 2.11 Criminal History - Non-Sexual Offences. 2.12 Drugs and Alcohol. 2.13 Self-esteem. 2.14 Dominant and Submissive Behaviour. 2.15 Angry, Aggressive and Violent Behaviour. 2.16 The Adult's Perception of Child Sexual Abuse. 2.17 The Sexual Abuse of the Child(ren). 2.18 Victim Empathy. 2.19 Support Systems. 2.20 The Future. Chapter 3: The Non-abusing Adult. 3.1 The Non-abusing Adult. 3.2 Assessing the Non-abusing Adult. 3.3 Ability to Protect. 3.4 the Future. 3.5 Evaluating the Information. Terms and Tools Used in Assessing Adults who Sexually Abuse Children. Subject index. Author index.

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Book SynopsisThe decision whether or not to reunify a child in care with their birth family is one of the most serious taken by children's services, and often involves considerable risk.This book examines the long-term consequences of this decision for children who entered public care for abuse or neglect. It compares the experiences and progress of children who remained in care or returned to their birth families up to four years after the decision was taken. It covers how the decision is made, the factors taken into account when making it and provides important suggestions for effective decision-making. It compares the progress made by the children in relation to their safety, stability and emotional well-being. The book demonstrates that, contrary to common belief, long-term care can be a positive option for maltreated children.This book provides important messages for reunification policy and practice in relation to maltreated children. It will be essential reading for social work practitioners, researchers and policy makers.Trade ReviewOverall the book provides a useful read for EPs, particularly those who work specifically with looked after children. It reminds all involved in supporting children, young people and their families of the role they play in safeguarding. -- DebateThis is a well-written and well-presented book. It is useful for social workers, social work students and professionals working with young people in the public care system faced with making the decision of whether a child should remain looked after or returned home. -- PSWThe decision to return a child home after a period in care couldn't be more critical. If you want a comprehensive, evidence-based exploration of the issues and consequences of these life changing professional decisions, then this is a 'must read'. -- John Simmonds, Director of Policy, Research and Development, British Association for Adoption and FosteringTable of Contents1. Introduction. 2. Study Design. 3. The Children's Admission to Care. 4. The Effective Decision: How Children and Parents Were Getting On. 5. How the Effective Decision was Made: Planning and Outcome. 6. How the Effective Decision was Made: Experiences of Parents and Children. 7. Children's Experiences at Home and in Care: The First Six Months. 8. Placements and Stability at Follow-up. 9. Well-Being and Progress at Follow-up. 10. Exploring Well-Being at Follow-up. 11. Case Studies: From Admission to Follow-up. 12. Conclusion. Appendix A. A Global Outcome Measure of Child Well-Being. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisThere's so many different types of abuse, and it all comes down to the same thing. It's making people nothing. And Fran was nothing. There was never anything nice said about her, everything was negative. And she had to put up with that, and we had to put up with that, until we all sort of believed it, almost.'Preventing the Emotional Abuse and Neglect of People with Intellectual Disability throws light onto the traumatic experiences faced by people with intellectual disability living in disability accommodation services. Through the narratives of nine people with intellectual disability and their family members, it reveals: the problem of systematic abuse; the cumulative impact of emotional and psychological abuse and neglect over time; recognition of the abuse by people with intellectual disability; and the lack of moral authority afforded to them in abuse acknowledgement and reporting. The author suggests a number of positive approaches and methods to help all those working with people with intellectual disability to prevent emotional abuse, respond appropriately and effectively support the recovery of victims. This book will prove to be indispensable for social care workers, care home managers, social workers, researchers and academics in the disability field, social sciences students, human rights workers and abuse practitioners.Trade ReviewThis is a powerful account of the emotional abuse that people with intellectual disabilities have to endure and manage in their lives... Sally Robinson has documented these stories with respect and great care. Her methodology is meticulous, and she joins a tradition of international researchers committed to putting the voice of marginalised groups into the public domain... [T]hese stories are rich and the words of people with intellectual disabilities and their families do not only inform but they rightly haunt us, as fellow citizens and as a society. Those of us who advocate on behalf of people with intellectual disabilities, whether as relatives, carers, service managers, professionals, academics, or policy makers will do well to listen and take heed. -- from the foreword by Hilary Brown, Professor of Social Care, Canterbury Christ Church UniversityRobinson has broken new ground here. Previous literature on abuse acknowledged emotional abuse as a problem, but focused strongly and physical and sexual abuse. For the first time, this book provides a conceptual framework for exploring and understanding the emotional abuse experienced by people with intellectual disabilities. She bases this framework firmly on a foundation constructed from the lived experiences of a number of individuals with intellectual disabilities. This work has the potential to open new lines of research and analysis and to facilitate change toward better lives for people with disabilities. -- Dick Sobsey, Professor of Educational Psychology, University of Alberta, Director of the John Dossetor Health Ethics Centre and the JP Das Developmental Disabilities Centre, CanadaStatistics tell us that people with intellectual disabilities are at greater risk of abuse than are non-disabled people. We also know that while these figures are shocking they are probably only the tip of the iceberg as (for a variety of reasons) abuse is not always reported and acted upon appropriately. What the figures don't tell us, however, is the impact that such abuse has on the day to day lives of people with intellectual disabilities. This book reports the findings of a research study that not only sought to understand this impact but also focused on psychological and emotional abuse and neglect. These abuses generally receive less attention than physical and sexual abuse. Whether this is due to a view that they cause less impact than the physical scars and injuries caused by physical abuse or whether they are seen as less damaging to self-image and self-confidence than sexual abuse is unclear. However, by illustrating this impact on nine individual lives this book lays such myths to rest and demonstrates just how damaging psychological and emotional abuse and neglect can be. Moreover these effects are cumulative and long standing exerting an influence on the lives of people with intellectual disabilities for many years.Given that such abuse has been occurring for many decades, and given that it may be widespread, there could be a temptation to say it is just too difficult an issue to challenge and change. To take such a course of action would be inhuman and hence this book sets out areas for change such as culture, awareness, policy service evaluation and advocacy. Most importantly, however, Carol Robinson points out that this is not just a problem for disability services but rather that it is a problem for everyone. This book helps the reader to better understand what it means for people with intellectual disabilities who are subjected to psychological and emotional abuse and I would challenge readers not to experience a range of emotions including sadness, anger and feelings of injustice. However, what is most important is that it motivates readers to take action since as the closing words of the book say, "these lives matter". -- Ruth Northway, Professor of Learning Disability Nursing, Department of Care Sciences, University of GlamorganTable of ContentsAcknowledgements. Foreword. Preface. Part One. Setting the Scene. 1. Gaining new understanding about abuse through the lens of lived experience. 2. What is this harm? 3. What does this mean for practice? Part Two. Stories of Lived Experience. 4. Insult and injury. 5. Systemic concerns. Part Three. Making Change and Moving Forward. 6. What do these experiences mean for other people with intellectual disability? 7. What do these experiences mean for practice and policy? 8. New insights into the problem. 9. Implications for making change. 10. Concluding remarks.

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Book SynopsisThe author has specialised in working with adult abuse and the manual is set out in the way she recommends that training be presented. There are chapters on older people, black and minority ethnic people and younger adults, as well as on investigations and case conferences.'- Nursing Standard'Working with Elder Abuse is a forthright and detailed training manual - the manual is a blend of theory, exercises, and further readings and it is anticipated that it will be used by staff trainers providing formal training as well as by supervisors who will work through it with their staff teams. The manual is clearly written, practical and realistic without being condescending. It clearly benefits from being written by someone who is herself a full time staff trainer on elder abuse and has tested and honed the suggested training materials through frequent use. The emphasis on experiential learning, drawing upon the experience of the training participants and exploring attitudes as well as knowledge is evident. This approach allows the potential user to feel comfortable with replicating the training modules and adpating them to fit other situations and content... Working with Elder Abuse is an excellent training guide. The care that has been taken in detailing all training steps, without burying the reader/trainee in duplicative content, makes one eager to utilize the manual immediately. This manual belongs on every trainer's shelf. It can be used equally well both as a self-training guide and to train large groups, and offers much that can be adapted for use with other content areas.'- Journal of Teaching in Social Work'This book achieves its stated aim. As a manual for use in training, it provides a wealth of well presented material that may be used by trainers who have a background knowledge in the field. The material is presented in a logical and user friendly way. It can be recommended to those who have to raise awareness of this issue among the staff groups in the title.'- Registered Homes'Pritchard (a well known and highly regarded contributor to the field) draws on her experience as a trainer to facilitate the empowerment of so called unqualified staff in confronting their own feelings when facing `victims and abusers'... Of all writers on elder abuse, she is grounded in practicability, underpinned by a clear grasp of the training needs of front-line staff. This handbook successfully integrates theory and exercises and should be on the shelves of all trainers. It will be indispensable for staff groups.'- Community Care'This book pulls no punches. It discusses sensitive issues, such as sexual abuse, frankly in everyday language and is essential reading for managers and assistants about abuse. NVQ students will find it useful and NVQ assessment centres would be well advised to buy copies.'- Nursing Times'A welcome addition to the available texts on elder abuse. Working with Elder Abuse by Jacki Pritchard is beautifully presented and easily accessible - large well spaced print, eye-catching headings, and interesting symbols signalling training tools such as handouts. The language is clear and fluid.'- Action on Elder Abuse Bulletin'The language is clear and definitions and exercises are easy to understand. The text is well laid out, and there is a lack of jargon -This will be a very helpful book for all who are concerned about elder abuse and should contribute towards the reduction of such abuse in the future as well as giving confidence to trainers, managers, care staff and all who are involved in care of the elderly.'- Christian Council on Ageing'Jacki Pritchard has produced a valuable addition to the training literature... For the beginner, this book is highly recommended.'- Baseline`The training manual is long overdue. The A4 format of the book and the permission to photocopy certain pages as handouts is very welcome... Residential and day-care issues are well covered with plenty of exercises... The straightforward language and the way that practical issues are addressed is effective... The manual is an excellent resource which managers, supervisors and trainers will find invaluable.'- Ageing and SocietyThis practical training manual is written for home care, residential and day care staff, who need to be able to recognise elder abuse, but may not be trained to do so. Its large format, range of exercises and photocopiable worksheets makes it a valuable source of training material not only for training teams, but also for managers who train staff and teams on site.Each chapter contains exercises, a reading list and a simple discussion of the theory behind each of the key areas covered by the manual. These include:defining elder abuserecognizing elder abusewhat to do when working with elder abusecase conferenceslong term work with victims and abusersabuse in institutionsissues for managerscase studiesTable of Contents1 Elder abuse - what is it? 2 Recognizing abuse. 3 What to do when working with elder abuse. 4 Handling disclosure. 5 Monitoring and reviewing. 6 Case conferences made simple. 7 Medium and long term work with victims and abusers. 8 Residential/day care 1: the theory. 9 Residential/day care 2: the exercises. 10 Issues for managers. 11 Role plays. 12 Case Studies.

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Book SynopsisIncorporating the voices of professionals counselling survivors of abuse, and those of the survivors themselves, this book provides the reader with a theoretical understanding of people who have endured abuse situations, as well as practical approaches to counselling them. Focusing on the emotional needs of survivors, the contributors discuss, from the viewpoint of their own experiences, effective and useful practice and the provision of appropriate and accessible services in this field.The effects of different types of abuse and abusive environments, and a variety of methods for dealing with their aftermath, are explored, with chapters dealing specifically with, among other topics:drug users who were sexually abused as childrenissues for practice in working with domestic abusetherapeutic responses to people with learning disabilities who have been abusedcounselling people who self injurepsychodynamic counselling and older people who have been abusedthe impact on professional workers.Trade ReviewThe 13 chapters here are wide-ranging; they include a contribution on work with people with learning difficulties and work with older people, areas of adult abuse that have been compartmentalised and set aside from mainstream interests. Other marginalised groups or individuals are also included such as drug users and male victims, survivors of domestic violence and those who self-injure. Each chapter is followed by a helpful reading list or references. Students may well find these chapters very instructive and compelling... This text looks set to appeal to a variety of readers from who may seek out individual chapters to practicing counsellors who may wish to see well-organised text with up to date material that is concisely written without being superficial. -- Issues in Social Work EducationThis fairly short book, with 13 brief chapters, covers a lot of ground and wins my vote because it is clear and concise. Its strength lies in the wide perspective the editor takes on abuse, including domestic violence, drug abuse, elder abuse and self-injury as well as the childhood sexual and physical abuse which one would expect in a book of this nature. One may read it because of interest in a particular client group but I would recomend reading through the whole book, because the key points in abusive experiences are, are not suprisingly, repeated in almost every chapter..... The voices of the victims and survivors are heard strongly in this book, with two complete chapters and many parts of chapters speaking of personal experiences. Most of these writers are also working to help other survivors. Some contributors accept the abusive part of themselves and, in so doing, share thoughts about challenging it and disarming it. Others deny any idea of an 'abuse cycle' but perhaps fail to realize that inflicting self-harm, drug misuse, eating disorders, depression and sexual promiscuity may also be an expression of one's inner abuse reacting against the self instead of towards others. This volume is aimed at those workers who already have a good grasp of their own professional expertise and limitations. It will not replace a wide knowledge of basic abuse dynamics, but it does provide helpful and supportive information on particular client groups. It is a useful addition to the professional library. -- BASPCAN (British Association for the Study and Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect)This is a reader which deliberately sets out to give equal prominence to those who have experienced abuse and the workers who are trying to help. It covers personal experiences of abuse, drug users who have been sexually abused as children, good practice in domestic abuse, men as sex abusers and survivors, working with people who self injure and dissociative disorders. Zetta Bear has done an excellent job editing the collection and has added a valuable chapter "Working with Uncertainty". Many of the chapters contain guidance for practice and that is a helpful feature... If you want some reasoned information and argument about false memory syndrome and ritual abuse, this book has it and at the same high standard as all the other contributions. -- Probation JournalAll the chapters give real insight into the issues... The good practice principles that are implicit and explicit throughout the book are excellent and can be transferred into a youth counselling situation. -- YouthworkThis is an interesting book written from the perspective of survivors of child sexual abuse, providing detailed, and rather harrowing, accounts of recovery from early experiences of childhood abuse. Overall, this is a timely, interesting and important publication which will be read sympathetically by those working with child sexual abuse victims, which may contribute to a responsible debate about the nature of traumatic amnesia and which in the words of the editor, Zetta Bear, may "serve as a marker for the responsible and ethical allocation of resources in the future". -- British Journal of PsychiatryTable of ContentsIntroduction, Majorie Orr, Accuracy About Abuse . 1. Becoming Real: The Story of a Long Journey Through Psychiatry, Counselling and Psychotherapy, Runa Wolf, private practice, West Yorkshire. 2.Patrick and the Tumble Drier: Counselling Troubled Children, Madge Bray, Sexual Abuse Child Consultancy Service (SACCHS). 3.Drug Users Who Were Sexually Abused as Children, Ronno Griffiths, independent consultant. 4.What Happens Now?: Issues for Practice in Working With Domestic Abuse, Siobhan Lloyd, University of Aberdeen. 5.Therapeutic Responses to People With Learning Disabilities Who Have Been Abused, Nerys Hughes and Janet Hughes 6.Counselling Survivors of Ritual Abuse, Sara Scott, University of Manchester. 7.Counselling and the Male Survivor, Peter Brown, Leeds Survivors' Collective, and Ron Weiner, Leeds University. 8.Men as Victims of Sexual Abuse, Men as Abusers, David Briggs, National Sexual Offender Treatment Association. 9.Psychodynamic Counselling and Older People Who Have Been Abused, Jacki Pritchard, independent trainer, consultant and researcher. 10.Counselling People Who Self Injure Lois Arnold, Basement Project, Bristol, and Gloria Babiker, Exeter University.11. Dissociative Disorders, Liz Hall, independent clinical psychologist. 12.Working With Uncertainty Zetta Bear, National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders. 13.The Impact of Professional Workers, Kate Kirk, freelance psychodramatist, supervisor and trainer.

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Book SynopsisProviding practical guidance on the best way to assess sexual abusers, this book fuses contemporary theory with an awareness of the subjective nature of the work. Assessment in various (clinical, legal and statutory) settings is considered and an overview of assessment methods is presented along with a detailed exposition of techniques. Previously-neglected aspects of work with sexual abusers are dealt with and links are made with fundamental aspects of risk assessment.'A thorough and detailed overview of all the issues associated with this area of work, and in doing so provide[s] a useful and concise starting point for any newcomer to the field. The book appears to touch on all (or at the very least the key) areas of assessing those who sexually abuse. The reader can choose to read the whole book, concisely compacted into 160 pages and gain a good insight into this whole area. Alternatively, one could delve into the chapters or sections that are of primary interest and still obtain a good overview of that area and come away with a number of references for further information.'- Forensic UpdateTrade ReviewA rich compilation covering theories of offending behaviour, assessment principles and procedures, and honest tips which illustrate the many lessons the team has learned from undertaking such work. The way in which this material has been organised and presented, in simple and accessible form, is very impressive - This book is highly recommended and will be of great use to practitioners who have contact with sex offenders and their families, and readers who seek a clear overview of the complex challenges sex offenders present. -- Community CareWritten by practitioners for practitioners, the book is readable and information very accessible. I feel I was expertly guided through a maze and was in very safe hands. This book comes very highly recommended. It will be essential reading for practitioners who have contact with sex offenders and their families. It will also be useful to other readers who want some idea of the challenges that working with sex offenders can present. -- Probation JournalThere is now an increasing public awareness about sexual offenders. There have been several recent examples of moral outcry when individual offenders have been released from custody. This confusing and challenging situation makes it increasingly necessary for a wide range of professionals to be aware of the practice issues in working with sexual offenders, to which this book provides a very good, clear guide. The authors are all specialist practioners working in the north of England and the book draws on their practice knowledge and experience. It is their aim to give practioners guidance which will enable them to work towards reducing the risk of re-offending by sexual offenders. The book is enriched by examples from their own practice which clearly illustrate the dilemmas of practice with offenders and the stress which workers may experience. There is a particularly helpful section on interviewing techniques and dos and don'ts. The issue of confidentiality is addressed, as are the difficulties which may occur with transference between worker and client. The various contexts in which the assessment of offenders may be required are very clearly and thoroughly described; the mental health court (both civil and criminal proceedings) and child protection contexts are well and fully explained. This will be of particualar use to the non-specialist reader who may be involved in working in one of these areas of practice. This is an excellent book written by experienced, skilled practioners who emphasize that their 'primary duty is the protection of the public'. The commitment of the authors to this task shines through in this book and produces a thoroughly interesting and useful text for both specialist and non-specialist practioners. -- International Social WorkDavid Briggs and colleagues have provided a valuable addition to the recent literature on the assessment of sexual offenders, particularly as a practical guide to risk assessment by experienced UK practitioners. The basis of the book's success is to be found in its clear structure and overall accessibility, achieved by approaching the subject without unnecessary jargon. This is a practical book for practitioners, and managers who wish to be better informed… this book is clearly set out, easy to read and written by people who know their field and present their knowledge well. The primary purpose of the book is as an introduction for the less experienced who wish to be better informed, an essential contribution as recognition of the importance of working with offenders is developing across a broad range of practice settings. Those more familiar with the field may also benefit from the different perspectives it includes and the opportunity it offers to review their own practice. -- BASPCAN British Association for the Study and Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect[It contains] many pearls of wisdom from years of practice. I have already begun recommending it to colleagues. The layout of the book ensures that it can fulfil its purpose of being a practice guide extremely effectively, it provides a wealth of material, supportive advice and resources... Our task in this, at times, daunting area of work becomes substantially more achievable. -- NAPSAC (National Association for the Protection from Abuse/Sexual Abuse of Adults and Children with Learning Disabilities)Table of ContentsPart I: Values, Research and Theoretical Base. 1. Requirements for Effectiveness. 2. Models Underpinning Assessment. Part II: How to Assess: Contexts for Assessment 39. 3. How to Assess. 4. Contexts for Assessment. Part III: The Practicalities of Assessment 85. 5. Assessing the Cycle of Offending. 6. Assessing Sexual Knowledge and Attitudes. 7. Assessing Distorted Thinking. 8. Assessing Sexual Arousal and Sexual Fantasy. 9. Assessing Victim Empathy. 10. Assessing Self Esteem. 11. Assessing Relationships and Intimacy. 12. Assessing Alcohol and Other Drug Use. 13 Assessing an Abuser's Own Victimization. 14. Risk Assessment. References. Subject Index. Author Index.

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Book SynopsisBy first describing her methods and subsequently illustrating them with a selection of case studies, Madge Bray shows the reader how abuse can affect the mental well-being of children, and how the repair of the child's trust of adults is crucial to the process of healing. Guiding the reader and the child through the counselling process, she illustrates the devastation which abuse can cause, but also the resilience of children and the means they have to protect themselves from the reality of abuse. Sexual Abuse: The Child's Voice is a unique insight into the minds of abused children, providing a basis for therapeutic work.Trade ReviewThis book deserves to be widely read by all who have a direct role, or interest in, investigative and therapeutic work with children who have been abused. Highly recommended. -- Community CareHer book allows her to portray the humanity and creative insight which flows throughout her direct work. She enables the readers to gaze into the perceptions and the pain of sexually abused children, but also to behold the resilience and potential for repair of these 'poppies on the rubbish heap'. The case studies open up our eyes and ears to the worlds and the language of children with whom the author has worked. With an admirable blend of lyricism and down-to-earth realism. bray captures the fears, pain and hopes of her subjects. What is demontrates too is the personal and professional insight, intuition and magic of her own practice. -- Cognitive Behavioural Social Work ReviewHighly readable, absorbing and revealing. -- Social Work TodayThis is a welcome addition to the growing body of literature on child sexual abuse. -- British Journal of Occupational TherapyThis publication is a unique insight into the minds of abused children which provides a basis for therapeutic work. -- ChildrightOffers heart, humour, compassion and a depth of understanding for those wishing to work effectively in child sexual abuse. -- Child Care ForumAn unusual and in some ways exceptional book, it is intensely personal, but also enlightening on a much broader level as to creative ways to work with children who have been sexually abused. …[I]t is the description of Bray's own work and involvement with each child which casts the spell and keeps the reader engrossed. -- Mental Health CareMadge Bray has a gift for teaching and inspiring. Through her enormous respect and gentle care for the children she introduces us to, we are able to gain a greater understanding and empathy with them. The memory the book leaves is of the incredible courage and dignity of those children. Poppies on the Rubbish Heap has become a classic amongst the broad range of literature now available about the sexual abuse of children. It deserves its reputation as essential reading for all those with an interest in the field. -- International Journal of Children's SpiritualityPraise for the Previous Edition'I wept and smiled and put the book down, finally, completely filled with admiration.' -- Helena Kennedy QCTable of ContentsIntroduction, Sarah Boyle. Preface. 1. Childhood Influence. 2. What about Social Work? 3. Breaking Through. 4. Carving a Way Forward. 5. Finding Out about Abuse. 6. Making it Better. 7. Background to Stories. 8. Tracey. 9. Michael. 10. George. 11. Zoe. 12. Becky. 13. Jessica. Postscript. Addendum.

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Book SynopsisPsychodynamic Perspectives on Abuse brings together psychoanalytic psychotherapists, political theorists, organisational consultants, social workers and social policy academics to explore the nature and ramifications of abuse in a new light.Abuse is defined broadly and considered as a widespread phenomenon with a variety of manifestations. Its consequences and their implications for intervention are discussed in detail with reference to three areas. In the clinical context, the focus is on overcoming the impacts of abuse on an individual's development, relationships and ability to participate in society. In the workplace, addressing the effects of abuse on working relationships can maintain or restore competence and effectiveness and reduce costs to both individuals and organisations. At the level of policy, understanding the dynamics of abuse can enhance the ways policies relevant to abuse are developed and practitioners who implement them are supported. Psychodynamic Perspectives on Abuse is unique in its range and focus.Trade ReviewSome of the most innovative contemporary psychodynamic authors have combined to produce this terrific book... This is a key text for those working clinically with patients who have been abused, but its value is much wider. Those concerned with child care or health policy, with ethinic minority issues and with refugees, and those who have responsibility for the management of organisations, will all find something useful here. -- British Journal of Occupational TherapyThis book deals with the complex hurt to development and relationships inflicted by abuse. The contributions relate to the intimately personal but also to the psychosocial, the organisational and the cultural. They bear both on personal therapeutic practice and also on the more public and administrative response required of social workers and others. The book considers policy and forensic issues in the context of psychodynamic understanding, and pays explicit attention to the diversity of the forms of abuse when they occur. Contributions capture respectfully but with security the experience of people who have been severely hurt by others and the understanding of those who stand by them and assist them... As I read this book I was repeatedly aware of its exceptional openness, humility, sensitivity and thoughtfulness. This book provides both clear frameworks and subtle explorations. It makes and exceptionally valuable contribution to the literature about the abuse of children and adults. -- Journal of Social Work PracticeFor a book of some 300 pages, this volume contains striking breadth and depth of material. Given the scope of the book, and the fact that it brings together writers from different disciplines, it could easily have resulted in a book that skimmed the surface. This pitfall is avoided, on the whole, by having a mix of theoretical-type chapters and more specific chapters devoted to detailed presentation of clinical case-material. -- Psychoanalytic PsychotherapyThis book is an important addition to the burgeoning lexicon of texts concerning abuse however this might be defined. There are many meeting places for the cognitive and analytically based approaches. Whilst this book presents one particular perspective it is one which presents its theory and method in an accessible way that should be read by all practitioners whatever their theoretical orientation. -- Journal of Interprofessional CareThis text is described by its editors as taking a " broad sweep " approach. In this broad sweep it is not however a surface brush that is being wielded. Rather this text, dealing with abuse as a widespread phenomenon with a variety of manifestations, does not sacrifice depth of analysis in pursuing wide scope. What is presented is a multi-layered approach from an interdisciplinary team of contributors from the fields of analytic psychotherapy, social work and social policy... This is a "meaty" collection of multi-dimensional character. Object relations and attachment issues recur throughout the text, which contains many case studies likely to be of value in general, professional and clinical teaching and supervision. The entries cannot but stimulate discussion and the text is recommended. -- Emotional and Behavioural DifficultiesThis is an excellent edited collection of papers which, taken as a whole, demonstrates that political and social analysis must inform and shape any adequate understanding of the nature and psychological impact of abuse in its many forms. A brief review cannot do justice to the many strengths of this book, nor can it summarize all the ideas and lessons that it contains, not at least through its inclusion of case examples. Each chapter is self-contained and readers might want to dip into it in ways guided by their own professional and academic interests. But the book will prove most valuable to those who are willing to expand their horizons, reviewing their customary thinking about psychology, social policy and service provision in this field. -- Child and Family Social WorkThis is a book that should be read as part of our continuing professional development as it is making a major statement about the way things are developing at an academic and clinical level. -- Child Psychotherapy Trust ReviewIt is rare to find authors from backgrounds as different as psychotherapy, sociology and women's history within one book, and rather than reducing the impact of the material, this breadth of knowledge and experience enhances the interest of the reader, as the multiple contexts for abuse are explored.. One of the aims of this book is enhance policymakers' understanding of the psychodynamics of abuse and by doing so to influence the strategies which they develop to deal with it. In my view, they succeed admirably in this aim. -- Richard J MarshallTable of ContentsIntroduction: Abuse, the individual and the social, Carol-Ann Hooper and Una McCluskey. SECTION ONE: THE INDVIDUAL AND INTERPERSONAL CONTEXTS OF ABUSE. 1. An object-relations perspective on the development of the person, Jeremy Hazell, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist, Cardiff. 2. Attachment theory and abuse: A developmental perspective, Jeremy Holmes, North Devon District Hospital. 3. Relationships as a function of context, Frances B. Carter. 4. Is human nature intrinsically abusive? Reflections on the psychodynamics of evil, Phil Mollon, North Herts NHS Trust. SECTION TWO: THE SOCIAL, CULTURAL AND POLITICAL CONTEXTS OF ABUSE. 5. Exile: Paradoxes of loss and creativity, Nancy Caro Hollander. 6. Abuse in religious institutions: An exploration of the psychosocial dynamics in the Irish context, Una McCluskey. 7. What cost assimilation and integration? Working with transcultural issues, Lennox Thomas. 8. Intimacy, gender and abuse: The construction of masculinities, Stephen Frosh, Birkbeck College. 9. Sexual orientation and abuse, Francis Mondimore, University of North Carolina. SECTION THREE: WORKING WITH INDIVIDUALS IN CLINICAL SETTINGS. 10. Inner silence: One of the impacts of emotional abuse upon the developing self, Susan Vas Dias, Centre for Attachment-Based Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, London. 11. Treatment or torture? Working with issues of abuse and torture in the transference, Shirley Truckle, Birmingham Trust for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. 12. The abuse of learning disabled people: Living and working with the consequences, Valerie Sinason, Tavistock Clinic. 13. Dissociative identity disorder and memories of childhood abuse, Phil Mollon. SECTION FOUR: WORKING WITH INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS IN ORGANISATIONAL SETTINGS. 14. Containment, supervision and abuse, Dick Agass. 15. Working as an organisational consultant with abuse encountered in the workplace, Judith Brearley, Organisational Consultant and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist in private practice, Edinburgh. SECTION FIVE: PSYCHODYNAMIC RELFECTIONS ON SOCIAL POLICY. 16. Desire and the law, Andrew Cooper, Tavistock Clinic. 17. Social work responses to domestic violence in the context of child protection, Margaret Bell, University of York. 18. Reparative experience or repeated trauma? Child sexual abuse and adult mental health services, Carol-Ann Hooper and Juliet Koprowska. 19. The repudiated self: The failure of social welfare policy for older people, Joan Harbison, Dalhousie University, Canada. Index.

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Book SynopsisThe abuse, neglect and exploitation of older people in community and residential care settings is increasingly being recognised and addressed as a serious social concern in Britain. In Canada, where the issue has had a much higher profile, different forms of practice have developed.Elder Abuse Work gives an overview of the developments and issues in both countries and draws out good practice guidelines. The chapters analyse research, theory, policy development, legislation, practice issues, resources and new ideas. The specific aspects covered include clinical practice developments, cross-agency coordination, 'self-help' for older people, awareness raising, financial abuse, and the medical and police perspectives. Innovative models for abuse intervention which have been generated in Canada are described and assessed. The book includes ideas for training and tested training exercises. The contributors are drawn from a wide range of settings in both voluntary and statutory agencies, as well as the academic world.This exhaustive volume will guide and inspire the direct work of anyone involved in the care of older people who have been victims of abuse, as well as informing and focusing the decisions of managers and policy makers on the central issues of concern.Trade ReviewThe book is an excellent primer on the nature of elder abuse. The chapters provide an excellent understanding of the various types of elder abuse, the background causes, risk factors, community responses, and helping/intervention strategies. Policy makers, police officers, legal professionals, nurses, social workers, and other medical personnel who work with the elderly will all find the information germane to their service delivery as the book covers the range of elderly service settings. -- Social work with groupsThis edited book represents a valuable additionto the existing elder abuse literature giving examples of "best practice" in Britain and Canada... this book is well written,very readable and a valuable resource for practitioners. One of its strengths is that it is very practice oriented and uses many case examples to give powerful illustration to the types of situations practitioners experience in dealing with elder abuse, and the ways these situations could be approached.It also presents multiple professional perspectives on abuse and some exciting examples of innovative practice. Ms Pritchard's purpose is to focus on examples of good or " best" practice that "will give people working with older people inspiration and ideas of what can be achieved " (p.11). Her book arose from "anger and frustration" generated by " derogatory comments about practitioners " who cannot theroize or conceptualize " (p.9). Pritchard's belief is that much can be learned from innovative approaches to elder abuse work in Canada. The book's value is as a catalogue of the diverse work of practitioners who demonstrate the commitment and courage charecteristic of most people addressing the cruelty and injustice intrinsic in the mistreatment of older people. The author describes her commitment to ensuring quality care through legislation, regulation, adequate resources, protocols, and procedures, education and attitude change. The book provides diverse and frequently powerful examples of practice. In that respect it fulfills the author's intent to provide practical ideas for addressing the abuse of older people. -- International Social Work.An overview of the developments and issues in both countries that draws guidelines for best practices. An inspiration to the direct work of amyone involved in the care of older people who have victime of abuse, as well as a guide for informing and focusing the decisions of managers and policy-makers. -- CASW BullettinThis book provides an interesting collection of chapters directed at practitioners and policy makers alike. The eleven British chapters by themselves would provide a helpful overview of work in this area. The addition of chapters from Canadian writers supplies a host of alternative perspectives, again strongly related to service development. Much international work is rather inaccessible but these chapters are likely to appeal, given their down-to-earth style. British readers will appreciate the contributions from the police-both British and Canadian-whose role is so important and infrequently understood. Similarly both countries offer perspectives about support for victims or survivors, at an individual level but also in respect of community support. As the editor notes the whole area requires a multidisciplinary approach. She has done well to also convey the benefits of learning from international experience. -- Professional Social WorkBring(s) together current thinking, up-to-date statistics and examples of good clinical work in both Britain and Canada in a very useful format. -- British Journal of Occupational TherapyTable of ContentsIntroduction, Jacki Pritchard, Freelance Trainer, Consultant, Researcher. Part 1: Britain. 1. Lessons learnt in working with elder abuse in the last decade, Jacki Pritchard, Freelance Trainer, Consultant, Researcher. 2. Developing policy and a training strategy in Berkshire: the results of practice, Charlotte Salvesen and David Jeffreys, Slough Social Services. 3. Developing a policy on abuse in residential and nursing homes, Jane Lawson, Hampshire County Council. Abuse in a safe environment, Janice Griffin, Sheffield Inspection and Registration Unit. 5. Elder abuse: the clinical reality, Alan J. Anderson, The Central Sheffield University Hospitals. 6. `It is better to talk of bulls than be in the bull ring': elder abuse - a police perspective, D.I. Brenda Fearns, Merseyside Police. 7. Social work and elder abuse: practitioners' perspectives from Scotland, Cherry Rowlings, University of Stirling. 8. Good practice: victims' perspectives, Jacki Pritchard, Freelance Trainer, Consultant, Researcher 9. Bringing rights home: back to beautiful Swansea anyway! Aled Griffiths, University of Wales. 10. The differences betweeen child protection and elder protection: the role of the local authority solicitor, Simon Leslie, Berkshire Joint Social Services Legal Team. 11. The protection of people without mental capacity, Penny Letts, The Law Society. Part 2: Canada 12. Elder abuse: the Canadian experience 1980 - 1998, Rachel Aber-Schlesinger, University of York and Ben Schlesinger, University of Toronto.13. From powerlessness to empowerment, Daphne Nahmiash, Laval University. 14. Financial abuse of seniors: a growing concern, Carol Ward-Hall, B.C. Coalition to Eliminate Abuse of Seniors. The role of alcohol in elder abuse cases, Denise Bradshaw and Charmaine Spencer, Seniors Well Aware Program. 16. The dynamics of senior mistreatment and the options for intervention, Maxine Lithwick, CLSC Rene Cassin/UISGQ. 17. Innovative interventions when seniors are abused, Myrna Reis, McGill and Concordia Universities. 18. Abuse prevention in long-term care, Jacqueline Senning, CHARA Health Care Society. 19. A community response to abuse to seniors, Pearl McKenzie, Consultant and Seniors' Advocate. 20. Police service to seniors, Wayne K. Hill, Calgary Police. 21. Support groups: a chance at human connection for abused older adults, Elizabeth Podnieks, Ryerson Polytechnic University. 22. Planning a shelter for abused seniors, Grant Allen and Ellen Hansell, Kerby Centre. Index.

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Book SynopsisThe Preventing Violence in Relationships programme has been developed by Gerry Heery through his independent work in this area. It is intended for those men who are beginning to realise that they have a problem with their behaviour and who are motivated to engage in a challenging programme of change. It has been designed in co-operation with other agencies working with the victims of domestic violence, and has incorporated the views of women who have experienced this behaviour. The first part of the book outlines the values upon which the programme rests - the belief that adult education and greater self-awareness can assist people to make positive changes in their lives. The second part is a practical guide to implementing the PVR programme. It contains detailed outlines of the 26 sessions of the one year programme, offering a practical, structured way of working with controlling and abusive men, and examples of sessions from the programme. This is a realistic, honest and practical book, which will be a useful tool for anyone working with controlling and violent men and their partners.Trade ReviewHaving read many publications on domestic violence, I had not, until now, found a book that managed to offer a clear and understandable exploration of issues and successfully relate these to practice. -- Probation JournalThis is presented as a well-tested programme for men who feel they have a problem with their use of both controlling and violent behaviour... An optimistic perspective on the scope for change and includes photocopiable material, such as worksheets and handouts, which make it a useful resource for anyone interested in running or developing such a programme for themselves. -- The Journal of Critical Psychology, Counselling and PsychotherapyTable of ContentsIntroduction. SECTION ONE: VALUES, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS FOR PRACTICE 1.Principles for Practice 2.Explanations of Male Domestic Violence 3. The Learning Process and Theoretical Underpinning 4.Preventative Programmes and Risk Issues. SECTION TWO: THE PVR PROGRAMME 5. Stage 1: Sessions 1-8 6. Stage 2: Sessions 9-20 7. Stage 3: Sessions 21-26. 8.Evaluation 9.Conclusion and the way forward. Appendices. References.

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Book SynopsisPritchard's extensive experience of practice, research and training inform the advice and practical guidance she gives... The book is full of useful photocopiable handouts and proformas that can be helpful as long as the trainer has the necessary background knowledge to use them. The case studies are a joy and contain the diversity of experience and multicultural elements missing from the rest of the book. They will be useful in concocting a range of exercises and discussion points in basic training.'- Social Work Education'The book is written in a clear, conversational style and is both practically-based and very accessible... Pritchard's style is conversational and accessible. Material is introduced in a friendly and informal way.'- Ageing & Society'A training guide covering the setting up of abuse awareness courses through the various stages, looking at selecting a pool of trainers, developing them, evaluation and case studies. It provides guidance for those struggling through the discussions and planning, and point clearly to the need for sensitive and skilled group workers as trainers.'- Community Care'This is the latest of a wide range of adult abuse publications by Jacki Pritchard, now recognised as one of the leaders in the field. In previous works, she has highlighted the need for training at all levels in all agencies concerned with vulnerable adults... The book's purpose is simply to increase the number of people available with the capacity and skills to provide training to others. This cascade approach is seen to be the most effective way of training large numbers of people with limited resources. It is however recognised that different types of training are required for people with different functions. This manual will be used to train trainers at the introductory, basic information level.The manual is set out clearly and provides essential information for potential trainers of trainers. It manages to demystify the art of training and brings it within the scope of most people. The initial sections deal with developing training within organisations, selecting a pool of trainers, and training and supporting trainers, with exercises to help readers through the process.The next section is full of practical advice on how to get ready for your first training session. This leads on to a chapter on possible content of a basic raising awareness course on adult abuse. While giving direction, this section allows some felxibility and choice for the trainer. There are lots of handouts, which can be reproduced as part of a training course.One of the most important sections is on difficult issues for trainers. This includes disclosure of abuse by a course participant or participants being particularly challenged by the subject matter. This is followed by a section on problems for trainers, which offers sound advice on a range of important issues. The final chapters concentrate on evaluation and case studies for use during a training course. English law is referenced in the legal section and this should be substituted with the relevant Scottish equivalents where they apply.This timely and practical manual will help agencies develop effective awareness programmes. It deals with a wide range of issues, offers practical advice and contains numerous exercises and worksheets. An ideal addition to any agency's training resources, it will make a positive contribution to addressing the often unrecognised issue of adult abuse.'- RostrumAgencies working with vulnerable adults are increasingly finding they have to train staff internally to become trainers on the issue of adult abuse and new government legislation means this trend is likely to continue. Based on the author's considerable experience of training practitioners, this timely and practical manual will help agencies develop effective basic awareness programmes. Becoming a Trainer in Adult Abuse Work deals with a comprehensive range of issues including selection of trainers; practicalities such as venue, equipment, refreshments; policy, law and evaluation and difficult issues ranging from disclosure and confidentiality to lack of confidence and time management. As well as this step-by-step advice, the book contains exercises and worksheets, ensuring it is a practical resource as well as a useful reference for those agencies, across all sectors, involved in adult abuse work.Table of Contents1. Introduction: Why write this guide now? 2. Developing training within organisations. 3. Selecting a pool of trainers. 4. Training and supporting the trainers. 5. Preparation. 6. Content of a basic awareness course. 7. Difficult issues for the trainer. 8. Problems for the trainer. 9. Evaluation. 10. Case studies. Appendix. Index.

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Book SynopsisThe findings from the study are a significant contribution to the growing international body of knowledge on the abuse of vulnerable adults. Pritchard's work is rooted in anti-ageist practice. Her passion and commitment to older people is evident throughout this book and she tackles the assumptions made about older men effectively.'- Social Work Education'The purpose of this book is to give attention to the problems of elder men in abusive situations, so that those in helping capacities may better understand these men and the help that they need. The use of case illustrations is very effective in the discussion of reactions and responses to abuse. In some cases the, the negligence in follow through is noted for professionals working with the elderly persons. Importantly, too, the author describes her efforts in creating a milieu within focus groups for the men to articulate feelings about their experiences... Jacki Pritchard has written a book that can well be considered an important antecedent effort in identifying a problem that heretofore has not received needed attention... [An] informative and sensitively written book'- Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect'This is a neat little book, and I recommend it... Jacki Pritchard is clearly an expert in the field. As a former social worker, she brings practicality and a common-sense approach to her research, which `rings true' to the jobbing clinician. Moreover, Ms Pritchard writes clearly and concisely, and her quantitative and qualitative research techniques pass muster.'- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry'This book is a useful addition to our knowledge of the subject, as it covers the abuse experienced by older men, a topic that until recently has received little attention... This is an important book for practitioners working in the field of elder abuse. Whilst the research is not representative, the rich descriptions of the respondents' experiences are full of information and emotion. The book is also useful as a first step from which other, in-depth studies can be undertaken into abuse as experienced by older men... Pritchard's style is conversational and accessible. Material is introduced in a friendly and informal way.'- Ageing & SocietyOlder men may, like older women, be victims of abuse - yet there has been little in either research or service provision to reflect this. Drawing on in-depth interviews with twelve older men who have experienced abuse, Jacki Pritchard presents much-needed practical guidance for care professionals, managers and policy makers working with this group.She describes the different kinds of abuse experienced by the men, which can include not only financial, physical, emotional and sexual abuse, but also physical and emotional neglect, and goes on to establish in detail the needs of older male victims of abuse and how they should be addressed. As well as having their emotional needs and their need for support over past abuse met, the men need a physical place of safety, medical care and the cultural awareness and continuous support of professional carers.This book presents clear guidelines for both the initial assessment of need and for good practice in the long term. It will enable all those working with older people to understand better the phenomenon of the abuse of older men and to apply this understanding to effective service provision.Table of ContentsAcknowledgements. 1. Men: Victims of Abuse. 2. Quantitative Findings. 3. In-depth Interviews. 4. Needs of Male Victims. 5. Outcomes. 6. Practice Issues. 7. Conclusion. Appendix: The Interviewees. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisI hope with the women who break their silence and contribute to this survey some very much needed changes will take place. God knows we need them.This book is the result of a nationwide survey of 2300 letters from women and 97 from men about rape and sexual abuse. Patricia Easteal analysed the materials primarily from women who have experienced abuse from husbands, estranged husbands, relatives, dates, bosses, priests, acquaintances and strangers.

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Book SynopsisAs I stepped over smashed crockery, broken glass, pools of milk, juice and water in my kitchen, I felt a surge of anger and recalled the pain of the many black eyes, cut lips, and broken bones that Michael had inflicted on me, and I thought, ENOUGH. So many of us ask, How can this be happening? How did love turn into abuse and violence? These are the questions that Patricia Hughes, renowned author of Daughters of Nazareth, continually asked herself. Like so many women, she stayed in an abusive relationship. Convinced that she somehow was responsible. She writes powerfully of being pulled into the cycle of fear, abuse, giving in, forgiving. Enough is a story rarely told, and she tells it without self-pity, sentimentality or blind anger. Overcoming huge hurdles Patricia Hughes provides the reader with an honest account of all the ups and downs she encountered.Enough is both an inspirational story and a first hand guide for any woman in an abusive relationship.Trade Review"This is an articulate, thoughtful, accessible look at the phenomenon of violence ... This sympathetic first-hand account of finding life after abuse is destined to help all those who find themselves in a similar position." -- Shaunagh O'Connor, Herald Sun."[T]he momentum of Enough carries the reader along. You want to know what happens next, how Patricia will extricate herself from her nightmarish situation. The brave tale of ojne woman's survival could be a useful manual to the many thousands of women in our society living with domestic violence." -- Janet Graham, North and West Melbourne NewsTable of ContentsMeaning; Urda; Origins; Futhorc; Magical inscriptions; Memorial stones; Fascism; Titles; Cosmology; Nature; Qabala; Vision; Werdandi; Rune stance; Breathing/ Vowel song; Problems; Tune in; Health?; Divination; Alignments; Sigil sorcery; Seiethr and Seething; Energy; lda; Rune companion; Sources.

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Book Synopsis'Why am I not white like everybody else?' Nan came and sat on the edge of my bed. 'What do you mean?' A tender finger brushed against my cheek. 'Well, everyone in this house is white. Why am I Black?'A generation of Nigerian children were born in Britain in the fifties and sixties, privately fostered by white families, then taken to Nigeria by their parents. Coconut is the story of one of those children.1963, North London. Nan fosters one-year-old Florence Olájídé and calls her 'Ann.' Florence adores her foster mother more than anything but Nan, and the children around her, all have white skin and she can't help but feel different. Then, four years later, after a weekend visit to her birth parents, Florence never returns to Nan. Two months after, sandwiched between her mother and father plus her three siblings, six-year-old Florence steps off a ship in Lagos to the fierce heat of the African sun.Swapping the lovely, comfortable bed in her room at Nan's for a mat on the floor of the living room in her new home, Florence finds herself struggling to adjust. She wants to embrace her cultural heritage but doesn't speak Yoruba and knows nothing of the customs. Clashes with her grandmother, Mama, the matriarch of the family, result in frequent beatings. Torn between her early childhood experiences and the expectations of her African culture, she begins to question who she is. Nigerian, British, both? Florence's story is an unputdownable tale of loss and loneliness, surviving poverty, maltreatment and fighting to get an education. Most of all, it's a moving, uplifting and inspiring account of one woman's self-determination to discover who she is and find her way to a place she can call home. Perfect for fans of Lemn Sissay's My Name is Why and Tara Westover's Educated. Audiobook narrated by Adjoa Andoh and featured on the Graham Norton BookclubWhat readers are saying about Coconut:'Wow, how do I even do this book justice... I absolutely loved this... I would recommend this book to everyone... important and powerful... completely captivating and fascinating... stunning.' Sibzzreads, 5 stars'Heart-breaking... eye-opening... heart-warming... I couldn't recommend this enough... fantastic!' NetGalley reviewer'Extraordinarily moving...a stunning read, beautifully written with searing honesty and humor.' Abi Daré, international bestselling author of The Girl with the Louding Voice'One of the best non-fiction books I have read...Amazing.' NetGalley reviewer'I sped through it as I could not put it down.' Goodreads reviewer'Remarkable...with grace, wit, insight and not a little heartbreak.' Adjoa Andoh, actress and star of Netflix series Bridgerton'Incredible... There were places I was shocked; places I was saddened; places I was amazed, and places where I laughed... Florence is now right up there at the top of my mental list of 'inspirational people'. NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars'I found myself completely immersed from the start! Florence writes with honesty, beauty and courage...delving deeply into some of the most important issues of our times.' Christy Lefteri, international bestselling author of The Beekeeper of Aleppo'A piece of poetic resilience, Coconut is an integral intervention in our understanding of race, identity and belonging.' David Lammy'Fascinating, emotional and enlightening... I felt myself rooting for Florence all the way... captivating. Highly recommended.' Karen King

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Book SynopsisThis book presents authoritative guidance to inform and enhance best practice in helping children affected by early life sexual trauma to recover and lead healthy lives. At its heart is the pioneering work of Mary Walsh, who in 1987 co-founded Sexual Abuse Child Consultancy Services (SACCS) in order to provide such children with specialist care and treatment and train practitioners in the skills required to deliver it. By developing recovery teams that crossed traditional working boundaries to put the child at the centre of all activity, the SACCS approach allowed young people to replace unhealthy ways of thinking with stronger, more appropriate cause-effect mechanisms. The book presents Mary's model for more effective recovery work - a model based on putting children first, ensuring that they feel safe and trusted, learning to communicate effectively with them and actively helping them to heal.Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgements Introduction Chapter 1: The roots of the approach Chapter 2: Developing the approach Chapter 3: The journey of ideas Chapter 4: The terror of abuse Chapter 5: The importance of recovery Chapter 6: Being child centred Chapter 7: Equality, diversity and inclusion Chapter 8: Caring for the carers Conclusion References Appendix I: Guide to Further Learning Appendix II: The Children's Stories Appendix III: The Mary Walsh Approach in a Nutshell

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Book SynopsisA groundbreaking book that will expand your thinking, whether you are a trauma survivor, a clinician, someone who loves a survivor, or someone seeking to understand abuse. In Reclaim, expert forensic and clinical psychologist Dr Ahona Guha explores complex traumas, how survivors can recover and heal, and the nature of those who abuse. She shines a light on the ‘difficult’ trauma victims that society often ignores, and tackles vital questions that plague us: ‘Why are psychological abuse and coercive control so difficult to spot?’, ‘What kinds of behaviours should we see as red flags?’, and ‘Why do some people harm others, and how do we protect ourselves from them?’ In her forensic work, Dr Guha has had extensive experience with those who perpetrate harm, and she has a deep understanding of the psychological and social factors that cause people to abuse, bully, and harass others. In turn, her clinical work has led her to recognise the impacts of complex trauma, and the way our systems fail those who have been victimised. By emphasising compassion above all else, Dr Guha gives a call to action: one that will help us reclaim a safer, healthier society for everyone.Trade Review‘What drew me to this book was the fact that its author works as both a clinical and forensic psychologist. As someone with a trauma history I’m always looking for new better ways to manage its impacts. As someone with a psychology degree (the most expensive piece of paper I own) I am interested in the why behind the what when people act in ways that victimise others. I love that this book delves into something that most people conveniently ignore: sometimes a person is both victim and perpetrator … A blend of theory and case studies (composites so as not to breach confidentiality) this book would be of interest to both trauma survivors and those who work in helping professions.’ -- Schizanthus Nerd, starred review‘Powerfully, accessibly, and with a clinician’s depth of detail, Dr Guha writes directly about the violence we prefer to drape in darkness. She shows that it is only by seeking to understand its causes and consequences that we can work towards creating safer, fairer communities. I’m grateful to her for this illuminating, and urgently necessary, book.‘ -- Sarah Krasnostein, author of The Trauma Cleaner and The Believer“Reclaim gave me a better understanding of my own trauma. Huge gratitude to Dr Guha for this well-crafted book … A must-read for everyone.” -- Veronica Gorrie, author of Black and Blue‘In a world that so often turns away from the complexities of trauma and abuse, this book turns towards them … Reclaim is a game-changer.’ -- Chris Cheers, psychologist and author of The New Rulebook‘Reclaim is for victims of abuse, for their families and loved ones, but above all for anyone who wants to understand human behaviour.’ -- Mark Rubbo, Managing Director of Readings‘Reclaim is one of those books I will revisit again, whenever I need to process certain events or experiences.’ -- Dr Yumiko Kadota, author of Emotional Female‘Dr Guha provides a highly accessible work that covers a lot of ground, and is illustrated by composite case studies of her own patients, and some detail about her own experience of trauma … Reclaim is a fascinating insight into different types of trauma, survivors, abusers, institutional abuse and invites the reader to enter a full and open discussion about these issues … This book is a nuanced exploration of the nature of trauma, the people it affects, and how we might, both as individuals and as a society, reduce its harm.’ -- Cass Moriarty, author of The Promise Seed and Parting Words‘Guha’s willingness to confront this murky terrain is courageous, a clinical psychologist and forensic expert, has penned a book about trauma that is not literary, academic, or self-help: it is a clear-eyed analysis by a professionally qualified, socially engaged and intimately informed author. Guha purportedly wrote the book to redress fallacies in “a world that is beset by trauma.” … The most admirable thing [Reclaim] is its advocacy for those caught in the darkest realms of trauma’s slipstream: the least likeable among us, who act out in the most socially unacceptable ways. Guha demands we seek to understand not only traumatised sweethearts (those who invite sympathy) but also people who exhibit alienating, infuriating or frightening trauma-fuelled traits … Reclaim [pushes] back against common value judgements that less traumatised – and more privileged – people make about those living with complex trauma … by looking around soberly – and inviting us to build a “trauma-informed community” and move toward a more just future.’ -- Dr Meera Atkinson * The Conversation *‘[Reclaim] is an excellent starting point for anyone wanting clarification about the impact of trauma, with further information on where to find therapy and support.’ -- Cheryl Akle * The Australian *

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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