Description
Book Synopsis
The traumatic affects of childhood sexual abuse can remain and recur throughout life for women who have not healed emotionally. This book by a family therapist shares stories from 18 women abused as children, explaining that healing can occur at any stage of life, and that healing, itself, occurs in stages. The author offers guidance to recognize the long-lingering potential affects of childhood sexual abuse including depression, anxiety, dissociation, and chronic shock, and she explains steps to take for recovery. Also presented are letters from women who have healed or are in recovery.
Sexual abuse by men, juveniles, and female perpetrators is discussed, as is how children may act out the abusive behavior taught by perpetrators. The incidence of abuse by family members is also addressed. Duncan explains the dual dilemmamoral and legalthat women face in exposing a sexual perpetrator within the family when not protected by the legal system due to statutes of limita
Trade Review
Children should have a safe haven of family love. Sexual abuse makes this impossible. Duncan shares the survival strategies women use to cope with childhood physical and emotional trauma--strategies that include denial, repression, depression, secrecy, and chronic shock that can lead to such lingering problems as mood and eating disorders, substance abuse, dissociation, and self-injury….This book offers theoretical frameworks and practical guidance in the journey toward recovery, everything from understanding the impact of trauma to finding a therapist….Recommended. All collections; all levels. * Choice *
This book is devoted to the journey women victims of childhood sexual abuse take during their healing process. As such, it offers an interesting perspective that includes not only personal narratives from women who have been traumatized, but also offers a detailed therapeutic process related to each stage of the traveler's journey and examples of women's struggles along the route….[t]his volume provides useful insights for both healers and those being healed. The book uses humanistic, cognitive and feminist perspectives as its theoretical underpinnings, is well documented, has a user friendly index, limited bibliography, and a list of some suggested resources. * Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare *
Table of Contents
Acknowledgment Dedication Preface Introduction The Trauma of Childhood Sexual Abuse Remembering the Trauma of Sexual Abuse A Legacy of Trauma: A History of Abuse Chronic Shock Symptoms and Dissociation The Stages of Healing Prolonged Problems from Childhood Sexual Abuse Ending the Pretense Exposing the Perpetrator: A Moral Decision, Legal Challenge, and Family Dilemma The Therapeutic Relationship The Voices of Women Appendix A: Trauma and Memory Appendix B: Distorted Thought Patterns Appendix C: Characteristics of a Healthy Family Appendix D: Symptoms of Chronic Shock Appendix E: Managing Anxiety Appendix F: Dissolving the Outrage Appendix G: Boundaries Appendix H: Suggestions for Family Members Appendix I: Forgiveness Appendix J: Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Resources Endnotes Bibliography Index
