Victims Books

This is an excellent book that brings the unmentionable subject of sexual abuse by Christians into the light of day. This book makes it abundantly clear that sexual abuse does happen, by real, committed Christians and that pretending that it doesn't, far from minimising the problem, actually allows it to prosper like a fungus growing in a damp, dark place. Many books on sexual abuse focus on helping the survivor but ignore the abuser and those friends and family that surround victim and abuser, however, Carolyn Heggen provides practical insight into help the survivor, the perpetrator and the families of both. The chapter on pastoral abuse contains very useful information and the sections that show how religious belief can actually contribute to abuse make a lot of sense. The ways in which churches can help bring healing and prevent or continue to foster abuse are made clear and there are examples of ways of worship that can help survivors. I think that much of this book (especially the chapter in repentence, restitution, forgiveness and reconciliation) would apply to not just situations of sexual abuse but any sexual sin. I can't say enough good things about this book, it is a difficult topic but it is covered thoroughly, sensitively and practically.

"Sexual Abuse of Males: The SAM Model of Theory & Practice", is a book unlike any others on this emerging, sensitive, and complex subject. Although it is primarily written for a professional audience (clinicians and researchers), it is nevertheless a tremendous resource for anyone interested in the subject-including survivors of sexual abuse. Responding to the relative lack of both public and professional knowledge regarding the childhood sexual abuse of males-the recent scandals of Catholic priests' abuse of males not withstanding, this 2003 published book accomplishes, in my view 5 main objectives: 1) Identifies and addresses the societal and professional lack of knowledge, misinformation, bias, myths & erroneous assumptions, and widespread stereotyping concerning sexually abused males, 2)Briefly describes, refers to, and otherwise pulls together many of the more than 500 research reports he cites in a remarkably clear and efficient manner, 3)Outlines the major psychological, emotional, biological, social,
individual, and behavioral short and long-term effects often resulting from this trauma, 4) Briefly discusses some of the major conceptual models regarding sexual abuse of males-arguing for the necessity of a specific model that is not embedded in the models based upon female sexual abuse, and 5) Presents an extremely comprehensive, specific, and well-researched model specific to the unique treatment needs of the male sexual abuse survivor. Lastly, and most importantly the depth and breadth, the thoroughness, and professional care with which this resource has been assembled is both a testament to the author's professional diligence and care regarding this important societal issue, as much as it is a statement of understanding and empathy for survivors, and consequently an invitation for society in general and professionals in particular to open up the pathways of healing, resilience, and hope for male sexual abuse survivors everywhere.

This is a MUST have for any nurse practicing as a S.A.N.E. (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner). Crowley's information is on the mark and written in an informative, very appropriate language. A handy reference while completing an exam or preparing for the next to come.

This book is an invaluable companion and guide for therapists trying to negotiate the many challenges clients suffering sexual truama and other dissacociative experience pose them. Although some chapters are better written than others (the editors contributions are the strongest) all are well conceived and executed. It is comprehensive in scope, its research practical and sound and its ideas both insightful and useful. I strongly recommend it.--Jonathan Diamond author Narrative Means to Sober Ends: Treating Addiction And Its Aftermath; private practice Northampton and Greenfield Massachusetts

This book is definitely intended to be used by profesionals! Very high leval vocabulary, but all very, very usefull stuff. I found the chapter on Adolesent and Child Abuse particularily usefull. There are case studies thrghout the book. It's a great refrence book, and even has some internal citation. It's a bit old, though.

From the standpoint of a Psych RN this book gives great insight into the mindset of a suicidal patient. It has been helpful in my own work with the depressed. Ms. Quinn's unique and simple style of writing make it a pleasure to read. Her delicate way of handling the subject of child sexual and emotional abuse make this a little easier to read. The account of her life give the notion that there is hope in overcoming the addiction to suicide. I highly rcommend this book to anyone who has experienced this type of abuse or to those who work with the abused.

Were I to tell you what the "difficult subject" is, I might spoil your reading experience, as the author doesn't introduce the topic immediately in this standout first novel. But I can tell you that you'll find in this book a warm and insightful treatment of an intelligent young woman, her coming of age in London, and her sometimes painful, but always interesting and unusual relationship with someone important in her life. I found myself caring a great deal about the characters and their challenging situation. Ms. Berkeley writes with style, humor, wisdom, and heart. A great read!

I can't believe how well this book is written, and how scary some of the stories are. It is amazing how government can and will run over our lives if we don't stop them. God bless the USA and God bless the National Center for exploiting the government for taking our rights.

"Shielding Our Innocents" tells us -- people with and without children, how to stop sexual offenders and prevent child sexual assault. If you care about the fates of children in our society today and in the future, you should read this book even if you are single and without children. This book speaks to responsible adults -- parents, teachers, physicians, nurses, social workers, ministers, priests, attorneys, bus and taxi cab drivers, single parents, singles without children, grandparents. "Shielding Our Innocents, A Prevention Plan On Child Sexual Abuse" by Hélène Hinson Staley contains true interviews with adult survivors of abuse and with convicted sex offenders. It also contains strategies and information to eliminate opportunities offenders use to hurt children. It includes very helpful sections on warning signs to look for in suspected cases of sexual abuse. It contains insightful and useful prevention checklists and offers ways responsible adults can empower children in self-protection. The book's foreword is written by Roland C. Summit, M.D., former Head Physician, Community Consultation Service and former Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. In his foreword he says: "...This book is about knowing. It reasserts the now quaint appeal to understand the importance of sexual abuse by listening to voices of experience. This is a book of anecdotes and reflections. It is thoughtful, thought-provoking and moving..." Roy Parker, Jr., a book reviewer with The Fayetteville Observer-Times, Fayetteville, N.C., says: "...a riveting book...The perspective is not one you might expect from a book that is full of much positive information and insight into the prevention of child abuse...So, it is interesting that much of this book's very good advice is aimed at professionals who deal with child-abuse cases, especially court and law-enforcement personnel, as well as at parents and caregivers." Lisa Amaya-Jackson, M.D., M.P.H., Director, Child & Adolescent Trauma Evaluation, Treatment & Research Program, Duke University Medical Center, endorsed "Shielding Our Innocents" as being an important book for responsible adults to read and use to protect this world's most innocent of occupants. "One woman's impassioned plea on behalf of child victims of sexual assault to waken societal awareness, understanding and action. Hélène Staley targets parents, professionals and the media to conscientiously listen to accounts of victims and offenders, to push aside naiveté and denial, and use resources and strategies she has researched hoping to make a difference in preventing child sexual abuse." Faye M. Dasen, a reviewer with The Pilot in Southern Pines, N.C. emphasizes: "Educators and social service workers will benefit from this work." This book is approachable. It speaks to our hearts and minds. "Shielding Our Innocents" provides real solutions that will stop sexual abuse and abuses associated with sexual abuse from occurring in the first place. Many people are uncomfortable talking about sexual abuse, but "Shielding Our Innocents" opens doors for those who want to contribute to making our world a safer place for children, for everyone.

Rachael Lev has made brilliant work of incorporating visual art and creative writing along with interviews with incest survivors to make a strong case for addressing sexual abuse and promote healing among members of the Jewish community. Lev expertly weaves her own story among those of other survivors. She describes reasons for the widespread denial that incest exists in the Jewish community. She documents the struggle for survival as she and her other subjects grow into adulthood, often facing depression, disfunction and disconnection from family members. She recommends ways for Jewish leaders and therapists to support incest survivors. And she highlights art as an outlet for feelings that are at once too powerful to contain and too painful to address head-on. Her own story and several others illuminate the powerful healing that can occur with recognition, acceptance and support. Shine the Light is a must read for anyone -- and this means just about everyone -- inside and outside the Jewish community, who has felt the impact of incest on yourself, a family member, client or friend.