NCJ Number
111471
Date Published
1988
Length
493 pages
Annotation
This text provides guidelines, stories, and written exercises to help women who were the victims of childhood sexual abuse come to terms with their experiences and to recover from their long-term effects.
Abstract
The effects of childhood sexual abuse are described, together with ways in which victims cope over time. The healing process is described from making the decision to heal, remembering, disclosing, and mourning through anger, disclosure and confrontation, and resolution. Indepth guidance is offered for changing self-defeating behavior patterns in specific areas including self-esteem and personal power, feelings, intimacies, children and parenting, and the family of origin. A special section provides insights and strategies to aid supporters of survivors of childhood sexual abuse, focusing on the roles of family members, partners, and counselors. Finally, 15 women who experienced childhood sexual abuse relate their experiences, reactions to them, and the process of healing. A section on resources discusses therapy, support groups, self-help programs, organizations, and services. Index and annotated bibliography.