Description
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 Practitioner
The 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 Review
A 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 Care
Documented 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.com
There 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 Work
Table 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
