Abuse Books

I assume that this book will be a wonderful literary experience to the readers around the world. Mr.Pothen is a kind and nice person. He really impressed me with his story and his excellent writing skills.

The natural beauty of an Indian village has been portrayed realistically in this novel even with the tiniest detail that the reader could view it as if in a movie in front.

Moncy Pothen's hero, Arjunan, is a typical village guy learns Hindu traditions and holy books like Bhagavad-Gita from his parents, in his childhood, and the ancient hero with his same name, Arjuna, inspires him. It is well explained how the unexpected events change his whole path of life when he decides to participate in the social reform. He involves in an extremist group by believing only an armed up rise of the common men would change the corrupt society. He is an educated man, with a respectable job, family and social status, sacrifices everything for the rescue of the exploited and the down trodden. When he returns from jail, regretful about his past, the society does not forgive him and allow him to socialise normally. His good deeds, importance and intention are being scrutinized for a long while.

A woman's helplessness when she looses all hopes in life; at the time of making difficult decisions; when she has to support others in distress and also when she has to choose between the right and the wrong: is shown clearly by the character Ahalya. How the power of woman can be rejuvenated by a node or a small support can be witnessed in the book at a later stage. The woman's role in the society is well explained with many woman characters and it proves without doubt that the woman is not a weaker section in the society and she can stand along side with man in every activity.

Human mind is described with expertise in this book. The way people think and react at life's different circumstances is highlighted realistically. Humour is also applied in various occasions as a part and parcel of the Kerala society. The countless characters in this book represents the cross section of a society, which includes members belong to the countless castes and creeds in India. Their life harmony and the way in which religious fanaticism tries to disrupt it are also explained well. It proves that extremism, whether it is political or religious, is harmful to the society and the common men always stand against that.

The Author shows that love is a combined feeling of security, courage, jealousy, possessiveness, oneness, sharing and caring. True love can face any obstacle when together. Even the smallest of things done for the other can make a big difference.

The unexpected ending of this story also makes it unique.

First of all, as soon as I completed the last lines of the book, tears started rolling down my cheeks. I really wonder why it happened. I think the climax has such an effect on me because basically I am a traditional Indian girl and all Indian girls are same in their heart though some act as if they are not. Beneath the Clouds and Coconut Leaves is a realistic book which gives a good idea about the social and economic conditions of people in Kerala since independence and it wonderfully portraits the feelings of a female heart.

Mr. Moncy Pothen in his Novel, `Beneath the Clouds and Coconut Leaves,' narrates, with ease, the rhythms of uncared, stranded lives in bitterness since the dawn of independence.

In his entire story, he spotted the starving world for love with its human touch in real life. Through out the tale, the panoramic expressions are the aerial outcome of the true nature with the living world and the ecosystem.

We can see the pompous days of feudalism are ending and a new age of scarcity or humbleness awakening and it is the hero, an unexpected source that was instrumental to the fall, comes for the aid with attempts to rescue. In the book, we experience the success of humanity above all the ideologies. It also portrays the political, social and cultural scenario in Kerala, the tiny South Indian State, in its true state.

I wish the domain made by the Author be a great success.

Those who lived in Kerala in the Sixties/Seventies would know what it means to be a Naxal. How many young men/women have sacrificed their lives on the altar of this utopian cause! How many families have suffered, some violently and some in silence! All for a cause that just fizzled out within no time and vanished from people's memory without a trace.

It's not a hitherto unexplored theme, but to my knowledge past initiatives have been in Malayalam language. Here Moncy uniquely portrays the life in a typical Kerala village, its social structure, its pulses and the swings. I'm sure the reader will be overwhelmed by the sentiments Moncy has successfully depicted without losing its innocence and flavor.
Kurien V.
Saudi Arabia

Highly recommended reading, Beyond The Lie: Finding Freedom From The Past by Alice Smith is an outstanding guide for Christians caught up in terrifying feelings of shame and distrust, and who are searching for an escape to a personal world less susceptible to the all consuming evils promoted by the broader culture of the world today. Providing an informed and informative mapping of the proper pathway to a spirituality healthier lifestyle, Beyond The Lie helps the reader to avoid being victimized or otherwise lapse into behaviors that would disgrace themselves and their families. Above all else, Beyond The Lie gratefully speaks to Christian readers of the glorious sacred love of Christ redeeming them from the bonds of their past, the temptations of the present, and the promise of the future.

All people, including Christians, have traumatic events that keep them in spiritual and emotional bondage. Alice Smith is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and trauma. She began her life journey as a victim, but through the healing power of Christ, she emerged a victor.

Smith's book, Beyond the Lie: Finding Freedom from the Past offers help to all who struggle with past abuse experiences. Through personal and victim stories, biblical stories, statistics, a bibliography of suggested reading and victim resources, Smith provides readers with the necessary information to rise up, gather hope in God and walk out of the darkness.

Smith's book is laid out in a manner that makes it easy for the reader to gather the information necessary to help themselves. She discusses forms of abuse and typical responses by victims, systems of thought that can impact how you view yourself and the world, warning signs that victims send out, positive self talk and healing through Jesus Christ.

Armchair Interviews says: If you, or someone you know has suffered abuse, Beyond the Lie: Finding Freedom from the Past is a valuable gift to give.

I really liked this book. It's easy to read and her stories are real clear. Alice shares in a way that hurting people of this world can be set free of their past. First Alice shares how as a child she was victimized and how she struggled with her abuse for years. But she doesn't stop there she goes on to skillfully explain how we can be free from the torment that has kept us bound all of our life. It really is a lie you know, we don't have to remain a victim! We can be set free. This book will help change your life.

I am thrilled to recommend "Beyond the Lie" to anyone who has suffered at the hands of others, experienced traumas or ever asked the question of how to turn suffering and difficulties into something better vs years of repeated pain. The transparent stories, biblical principles and step by step instructions are the result of over 35 years of counseling and ministry.

In almost 15 years of working alongside Alice's ministry, I have seen thousands of lives impacted and changed by the insights shared in "Beyond the Lie". Personally my life is completely different than where I was years ago when I first met Alice. "Beyond the Lie" can make a difference in your life as well!

Debbie Walker
Houston, TX.

No wasted words here! I found this book easy to read, succinct and to the point. It demonstrated how childhood rape or molestation can be overcome through prayer, with graphs and charts that were very helpful. The author made clear how to overcome a victim mindset. Especially helpful were definitions of spiritual warfare terms, how demons find ways to attach themselves, and how to get rid of these parasites. ("you've got worms?") Yes, this book helped me gain confidence and put away fear. Highly recommended!

Black Sheep is a desperately needed wake up call for the lost generation of Black youths in today's society and the professionals who are trying to save them. In addition to offering insight and intellectual nourishment, Black Sheep also gives us hope.
Achebe Toldson invites the reader into a world filled with social stigmas, systemic challenges and ill fates and fortunes that are the familiar stumbling blocks for African American youth. A haunting suspense novel, Black Sheep is told through the eyes of Duce, a prominent graduate student who has become obsessed with his thesis. In the mist of his self absorption Duce loses sight of reality and begins to live through his fears and nightmares. He soon discovers that his greatest challenge will not come in the form of a research paper, but in learning how to fight the demons of his past and confronting his present fears.
Toldson does a remarkable job of challenging the reader's current perspective on life as we know it by offering hard core comparisons that help us to understand the present state of our inner city youths. The human mind is tantalized with psychological proses, biblical quotes and sometimes just the plain truth as he pushes us to the brink of reality. A modern day Harlem Renaissance writer, Toldsons' impressive style will surely leave a mark in the literary world.

With realistic, believable dialogue and powerfully drawn characters, BLACK SHEEP is a stirring account of one man's struggle to find his life's purpose. Emotionally evocative, this is a truly captivating read with much food for thought. The reader cannot help but empathize with Duce as he forges ahead on his life changing journey, all the while hoping that for Duce, this journey will end up being one of self-realization and not one of self-destruction. (RAWSISTAZ Rating: 4.5)

Reviewed by Autumn
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

I finished reading your book last night and I must admit it is one of the most powerful depictions about the African American males I have ever read. You are on your way to becoming one of the best authors of our time. Your book is like an abstract of my own life. I wonder if you took some of this story from my life, because I can relate to every thing Duce went through, from love, to school, to the streets and the woes of a white society. I have walked through all these aspects of life. Thanks for inspiring me though your words. You said this book was fiction but to me these characters are so real because I have walked in their shoes and their struggle is so real. I have walked with duce, Jason, the Professors, Dana, havanna, and all my people fortunate to be labeled ghetto. and yes I have escaped the deadly touch of Lucifer. and yet held on to my beliefs. Thank you so much for caring so much to write a blueprint of guidance and perseverance, I hope your words become universal like the sun and timeless like the pages of the bible. keep writing brutha because you are the prophet of the lost tribe, lead us to a better tomorrow's wrote these lines for you.
I stood among the killas and I wasn't moved,
I danced with the devil, yet I kept my groove.
Mentally I got abused but I never was bruised,
Aristotle would be confused if he wore my shoes,
I drank from muddy waters yet I quenched my thirst,
I found the tree of knowledge and uprooted its curse,
like a Moore I brought knowledge to my enemies' door,
I gave my education but he wanted more,
My decent is what they feared because the time is near,
Great armies we can build if we enter their ears.
Thanks for the jewels. (numbers,3:24)

Where do I start? I can't tell you enough how much your book has affected me. My uncle gave me the book saying it was the best he had ever read. Books are our common ground, but I admit I was a little doubtful about the "deepness" of the book. The first page proved me wrong. The characters you developed touched a part of me that I had forgotten about. This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. Even though I am female, I saw parts of me in Duece that made me dig deep into myself. I think we are all haunted by a Lucifer in every aspects of our lives, many of us are not as fortunate as Duece to find and fight those demons. It is very hard for our people to seperate "pipe dreams" from reality sometimes, we tend to live in an ignorant state of mind, never coming to realization. Havanna also touched my spirit, she was a sista that I admired. Her character reminded me of that forbidden fruit that you know you shouldn't taste, but the alluring aspects of its beauty can't keep you from it. Also, at first I thought of Lucifer as a character, an actual FBI informant, but after I talked to Lael, he opened me up to something I had missed. Lucifer was a state of mind, that voice in everyone's head that you know you shouldn't listen to, your demons. He knows all your secrets and manipulates you while setting you up. It's like you took me back to the beginning. You made me remember the struggle that still goes on today. Your work has caused me to examine myself and the world around me. The wordplay challenged me mentally as well as opening me up to a new aspect of psychology and philosophy. Being a business major, I had never heard of the "I-thou" or "esoteric", these words caused me to look deeper into psychology. It's almost like a college student gets so caught up in his/her category of study, that they miss the rest of the world, and other means of knowledge. I work at a non-profit organization and see alot of at-risk youth, but I'm there for the business experience, not realizing the real reason, the youth. I almost felt ashame that I was blindly striving for success without looking around me, I felt almost like Dr. Cox in your book. These are just a few revelations your book opened me up to. This book deserves national attention and should be distributed in every ghetto, substance abuse clinic, prison, and juvenlile center where blacks struggle to find a reality. Thank you for writing such a deep and dedicated piece of work that did not doubt the intelligence of your readers or the forget the struggle that we all still face today.

Dr. Toldson's book will provide the reader with an exceptional experience that touches on many topics relevant to people from all cultures and backgrounds. The book provides a gripping account of the life of Duce, a young African-American male who struggles with his identity as a student, friend, spiritual being, and minority. Avid readers who love reading stories with underlying themes related to psychology, sociology, and existential issues will not be able to put this book down. I was engaged from the first page of the book until the last page. The book had me reflecting on my own life and the lives of many of my friends. I look forward to Dr. Toldson's next book...

It's easy in this fast paced world to continue the life path created for us by negative outside forces. It's even harder to take the time to break out of the rut. Change is tough but the stories in Sue's book serve as reminders that life is too precious to allow monotony. We need to be reminded that we owe it to ourselves and to those around us to be our best and allow the power of change to motivate us to more fulfilling lives. It is possible! Thanks to all who were courageous to share their stores in the hopes of allowing others to take a deeper look at what life can offer. Peace to all.

After reading this book I was able to better understand how strong, and at the same time how fragile, the human spirit that lives inside all of us. This book not only provides a solid sense of what needs to happen but how someone can achieve their "own" goals and not the ones force upon us. I am looking forward to the next book the Sue Kipperman plans on writing.

As a man I must say I was surprised at how taken in I was by Sue's book. The book reads easy and has a good flow to it. It will make you look inside yourself for the answer to what makes you happy. It's a how do I get to that place guide for the journey of life. I will pass this one on to friends and family.

Sue Kipperman, Life Coach and ordained minister, has written a readable, practical guide that belongs on everyone's bookshelf. We all can tap into our sacred insights in order to achieve personal power and freedom. "Victimhood" is only an excuse for not pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps.

I recommend this informative, step-by-step approach for thriving in a victim-driven world.

I have read Sue Kipperman's book two times now and feel that there is so much to learn that this could become my personal power bible. Sue shows us how to dig deeply to find our own power and then, use that power to live a life of happiness and fulfillment. Her Ten Sacred Insights are so phenomenal that I want to make them all my personal Sacred Attributes.

I have recommended this book to all of my friends and several of them have already purchased the book for themselves and their family and friends.

This book touches my heart. It is so typical of the many children who are lost through the cracks by our educational system. It shows real courage on the mother's part for never giving up on her son even in his darkest moments. The family was drawn into Brian's World as victims of circumstance.
So many children and their families suffer because their child has learning disabilities and most educational systems seem to turn a blind eye as our precious children turn to drugs and suicide to escape the torment and torture that awaits them inside our schools and at the hands of peers and authorities alike.
Brian was a bright young man who learned to cope the best way he knew how as he drifted through the cruel world in which he lived. I laughed at his antics and cried with his mother as she struggled to save her precious son.
I believe this is a book for all to read from 12 to 99 and especially for educators. I think Brian's short life has a message we need to hear before it is too late for yet another of our young people.
A must read to add to your summer list of reading materials you won't be able to put it down until you finsih. ...

"Brian's World" by far is one of the best written true stories I have ever read. Throughout the entire reading I felt the author was sitting beside me and telling me her story. She writes as though she was talking directly to me and you can feel it comes right from her heart with total honesty. Throughout reading "Brian's World" I found myself not being able to lay it down for any length of time; when I did lay it down I was right back with it in my hand and reading, just wanting to know more about this fine young troubled youth whose mother loved him unconditionally from the beginning of his life to the end. I recommend "Brian's World" to all parents around the world.

Catherine Roberts writes courageously about her struggle to protect, support and encourage her son from illness in infancy through learning disabilities to drug and alcohol addiction. Catherine faced the many challenging situations in raising a learning-disabled child with grace and dignity and ALWAYS with her son's best interests at heart. She shares with us hers and Brian's tale, honestly, truthfully and frankly. The book is chock-full of emotion and interspersed with pain and humour.

Catherine Roberts writes courageously about her struggle to protect, support and encourage her son from illness in infancy through learning disabilities to drug and alcohol addiction. Catherine faced the many challenging situations in raising a learning-disabled child with grace and dignity and ALWAYS with her son's best interests at heart. She shares with us hers and Brian's tale, honestly, truthfully and frankly. The book is chock-full of emotion and interspersed with pain and humour.

I laughed, I cried, I felt the pain of Brian and his mother as they journyed through life trying to find a place where Brian would fit in. I know this story all too well and I could relate to all the turmoil that this family faced. I could feel their pain as teachers and authorities alike labeled Brian and condemed him. I cried as peers tormented and ridiculed this loving caring child. It was the fact that Brian was taken from an outgoing child model to the depths of substance abuse as he looked for peer acceptance that broke my heart. I wanted to shake him many times as he manipulated his loving mother to get his own way. He certainly learned the system and how to play it at the expense of his mom. But through it all she showed Brian unconditional love and acceptance never faultering or giving up on her precious youngest child. When you read some of the funny things Brian did as he grew into his teenage years, it is hard to realize that he understood the english language so litterly in its content. Brian was a very bright child who thought very seriously about the future and what he wanted even as a child. I loved the story about him at about age 10 when attending a business meeting/ tour of Weyerhauser he asked the Weyerhauser representitive how much money he earned. But his explanation for the question was extremely well thought out for a ten year old. I also enjoyed and laughed through the story of Brian's practice driving his fathers antique car and then after getting hooked on the garage painted it with wood paint and a paint brush in hopes no one would notice. I was apaulled to learn that Brian after being rehabilitated for 10 months in juvenille hall was let out with no place to go and no support form the system. This is so typical of what happens to many of our youth today. I commend Catherine on a job well done. I would recommend this book to all from teens through seniors. My grandmother read this book as did some of my students and all of us gave rave reviews. I would recommend that all teachers and people working with troubled youth especially the youth justice system take the time to read Brian's World. You won't be able to put it down until you get to the back cover. I can't wait to read Catherine's next book.

I am a survivor of Tony Leyva's crimes and was not mentioned in the book. My experience with him was in the early 70's. I have first hand knowledge of how he operated and can truly say Mr. Echols' report on Leyva is completely thorough and accurate. Relatively few people will work to expose this type of behavior. Echols is to be congratulated. A must-read for parents.

I read this book as a recommendation for parents to be aware of pediophiles and how to spot them. Having children, I was compelled to know how to protect them. Here is a story I will never forget - part of that is indespensible. Worse, I cry for the countless victims of sexual abuse. When you see ( very thoroughly ) in this detailed account, just how far reaching the devistation is, you can only pray for such victims and strive to protect the ones you love and educate every one else!

I couldn't put it down, as the story grew more horrifyingly unbelievable, I kept thinking it couldn't get worse, but it did - for everyone involved.

In the end, I had to search the internet to see where Tony Leyva was today -- and found that he'd died in prison in 2003. I couldn't help but wonder if his victims rejoiced at the news? Yet a man's fate was hopelessly and finally sealed with the more infinite punishment I am sure awaits him.

As for author Mike Echols, that internet search was even more disturbing. He, too, died in 2003. But I won't tell you how, or where, or other circumstances. You can look that up for yourself after you finish the book. See for yourself what his searching, his quest for justice finally led him to.

You'll realize that you can't go anywhere near any and all things pornographic without being affected by it.

The subject of Mike Echols' book, Pentecostal evangelist Brother Tony Leyva, is to get out of prison this fall unless the U.S. Parole Commission decides to keep him in prison to serve his full prison term (he has now served 10 years out of the 20 years to which he was sentenced).

Mike Echols is trying to get people to write letters to stop Tony Leyva's parole.

Good book I guess but you can not truelly investigate Namblaa until you have made a list of alll government members all the way up to the whitehouse who are actual members of nambla until you expose them you will never be able to truelly battle Nambla

I am a police detective who investigatis child abuse. I tell parents all the time how pedophiles get their children to do things of a sexual nature. One of the biggest obsticles we frequently face is getting people to believe someone who is respected in the community would do what the child is accusing him of. This book details how they gain the trust of the parent (s) first and then go for the child. Trust is the primary weapon used by the pedo. Another frequent problem we have is getting people to understand why child victims don't tell when something happens. Mr. Echols did a good job in helping the reader understand that for various reasons children don't always tell right away. Brother Tony's Boys is a must read before you let your children go with a "trusted friend"

I got this book for a dollar at a used book store because I had heard so much about the movie, and I wanted to see what woman could kill her husband this way. Francine Hughes has a lot of courage, inner strength, and (it seemed to me) and faith in the Lord. I am appalled, however, that all these people -- her in-laws, friends, neighbors, the police -- knew what Mickey was doing and they either ignored the situation or blamed Francine. How sad that the laws back then were so lax and in favor of the perpetrator. But it really doesn't seem that we've come much further than twenty five years ago.

If your partner has ever abused you, then there's no question. This book is a must read for you.

I first learned about Francine Hughes's story in People Magazine during the summer of 1984. It was the first real-life story and movie I discovered about spousal abuse. I was proud of Francine for her bravery to escape from the drunken,physical,verbal,and abusive Mickey. (May he burn in hell!) I don't know why certain people, including the very inept police didn't do something about what Mickey had done to Francine, and why they all made it look like it was all her fault. Maybe they should all join Mickey in hell. What Francine did was quick thinking to be rid of him once and for all.
I also praised Farrah Fawcett for her role as Francine in "The Burning Bed". In a way, Paul LeMat did a good/bad role of Mickey.
I always wondered during the time that Francine set the fire to Mickey's bed, then escaped in time, if Mickey woke up suddenly, and tried to escape too, or if he was too deep asleep in a very drunken stuper to know what was going on, and just died instantly? Either way, he deserves to be dead.
I also wonder how Francine is doing now. Is she still married to her second husband Robert Wilson? Are her kids married? (She actually has four of them.) All in all, I hope she's doing okay.
I praise the movie and book with a good review.

I first learned of Francine Hughes's story from reading People
Magazine during the summer of 1984. It was the first actual story
and real-life movie about spousal abuse I ever discovered. I was proud of Francine and observed how brave she was to get away from
the drunken,physical,verbal,abusive tyrant Mickey. (May he burn in hell!) I was also glad her kids came through all right. (Francine had four children-not three, though the movie did.) I always wondered what happened when after Francine set the fire and escaped in time if Mickey had woken up, and tried to escape too, or if he was in too deep asleep in a drunken stuper to know what was going on, and just died instantly. Either way, he derserves to be dead.
I also want to know how Francine is doing, and if she's still married to Robert Wilson, and how her kids are doing. She's a very brave woman for what she did, and I hope she continues to do okay.

I first watched the Burning Bed in 1987 and was so appalled, I wanted to smash the TV set! Farrah was excellent as the abused lady, she made you immediately want to hug and comfort her. Hughes certainly got his comeuppance,(I would have done the same) and there is no way Francine should have even been arrested, never mind ending up in court. It was a well-made film and I winced everytime Farrah was 'hit' and 'punched'. Paul le Mat was good, but was it a good idea for him to accept the role? Not everyone realises that this is a film, and he isn't the real Mickey Hughes. Francine proves that she has guts, how she coped with bringing up four children and a violent drunk for a husband, I'll never know and she thoroughly deserves to be happy now. I didn't realise she married again. I hope her second husband has treated her like a princess. Does anyone know what she looks like. Does anyone have a photograph of her, I need it for my project. All my love Francine, best wishes

I have seen the movie "The Burning Bed" as well as read the book.... The book is completely different than the movie... I give Francine Hughes alot of courage to write or speak about her relationship with Mickey Hughes in the movie, and in the book... It must have been really hard on her to watch the movie and ready the book knowing it was her life they were broadcasting and writing about... Some women are not soo lucky to get out of an abusive relationship with out perishing the thought of killing their spouse/ boyfriend etc... I just felt for her cause of her three children and not being able to get any help from anyone.. In situations like that some women don't have a choice but to stay with the abusive person cause of the person putting them down for soo long that the abusive women have a tendency to think that is what they are after while.. Plus some women think that is love...Which we know it is not love...But some women like Francine are scared to leave in fear the person will kill them.. I would like to know if Francine has a fan club or an address anyone can write her... Last time I heard she was still living in Michigan, with the lawyer who represented her they fell in love according to the book... Please let me know...

We got this book because my 4-year old son loved Go Away Big Green Monster. He loves it just as much! We read it constantly. Honestly, we like Go Away Big Green Monster better, but both are thoroughly enjoyable.
My son knows all the dialog from both books we read it so frequently. Mind you there isn't a lot of text, but it is fun.

Incredibly fun book for both the reader and the listener. Very colorful illustrations. I would recommend this to any parent or grandparent who loves to entertain by reading.

My 3-year-old loves the Ed Emberly books, and since this one was new, we got it out of the library (just in case he didn't love it as much). Long story short, this is his all-time favorite. He likes it even more than Go Away Big Green Monster, which was hard to beat. So, for his fourth birthday, he is getting a copy. We love this!

We recently picked this up at the library. My son is three, so stories with little text are still good for him, he always wants to turn the page if there is too much text. He likes that the story is a little scary. I do different voices for the big bad bullybug and the baby bugs, and tickle, pinch, or pretend scratch along with the story. We've made it very interactive, and there is a big squooshing sound I make when the tennis shoe squishes the big bad bullybug. This is great fun. We read it at the library with a little girl, who was about seven or eight, I would say, and she also liked it.

I love all the books by this author, having first read "Go Away Monster" years ago. This is probably my favorite of all his books and my grandkids love to have it read to them.

In the interest of full disclosure, Dr. Giardino serves on the board of directors of Justice for Children (JFC), of which I am Executive Director.

This two volume set is a "must have" resource for all of us involved in the issue of child abuse.

Volume I, the Clinical Guide contains 43 chapters with 7 sections:
* Physical maltreatment
* Neglect
* Sexual maltreatment
* Psychological maltreatment and developmental health issues
* Cultures at risk of child maltreatment
* Legal aspects and forensic issues
* Professional roles in investigation, treatment, and prevention

Volume II, the comprehensive photographic reference, has 19 chapters with 5 sections:
* Physical abuse
* Sexual abuse
* Criminal and psychological investigations
* Evaluation, equipment, and demonstrations
* Resources for child care professionals

Justice for Children was founded 20 years ago by a prosecutor (Randy Burton) in Houston, TX. In that position, he saw countless numbers of abused children who were not being protected by the very systems we taxpayers fund to protect them. The reasons for system failure are many but one cause which cuts across all disciplines is ignorance of the issue of child maltreatment.

Information, presented clearly and from a multidiscipline perspective, is the best way to remove the barrier that ignorance places in the path of protecting abused children. Building on the latest and best information from health care professionals, the editors of Volume III, have provided a tremendous resource for mandated reporters, and all people who are in law enforcement, criminal justice, children protective services, and all child advocates.

James A. Shields
Executive Director
Justice for Children

I perform Child Protective Services as a social worker the first agency where I was employed had this two volume set available to the staff. The information contained was detailed and inclusive of all aspects of child abuse. It was a wonderful source of medical information that assisted me in determining the child abuse with signs and symptoms. I have been trying to locate this set since 1998 to use at my agency. I am hopeful that it will be published in the future.

As A Criminal Investigator that works Child Abuse/Sex Abuse I found this book to be an excellent resource. In depth and technical, but easy to understand for the non-medical professional. Also recommend the two-book set. Recommend this book to medical personnel that see or treat children in an emergency or trauma setting. Also for Social Services and Law Enforcemnt.

Too many child abuse petitions are being filed today based on bad medical information. This book helps distinguish for the prosecution and the defense the signs and symptoms that are abuse related and are not related to abuse. Aside from providing accurate and complete material necessary to cross-examine a witness in a child abuse case, it is a wealth of information on the experts in the field. Essential book for the child abuse defense attorney's library.

As a Criminal Investigator that works Child Abuse/Sex Abuse, I found this set to be an excellent source of information. Photographs are quality and help to illuminate the text. Covers intentional and accidental injury. I highly recommend this set to medical professionals who work in this field, especially SANE's. Also recommended for Social Services and Law Enforcment.

This a poignant and true story of sexual abuse and what it does to a family.
I was very moved by the book. Claire Silva has not only told her story,
but has offered much needed counseling on what to do and where to go if
you are faced with this horrific problem. She also illustrates how little is
out there for the victims and how much more needs to be done.Bravo!

Claire's extensive research into the subject of pedophilia is crucial to raising the social consciousness of this evil. As a survivor, I can heartily applaud her efforts to help bring this cycle to an end. Bravo!

It's clear that Claire is a caring person who has worked hard to heal from horrific childhood trauma. This book will benefit not only those who've been molested, but also their loved ones and anyone who hopes to better understand how abuse impacts an individual for life.
Barbara Dorris, SNAP, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests

This book helped me realize that sexual abuse can happen to anyone at anytime and it also provided the tools and information about how to help the victim and the family deal with sexual abuse.

It is a shame that things like this happen and society's shame at giving victims no justice and no protection. Predators seem protected and victims hung out to dry?? A good read and a true story. Your heart will go out to this family.