Healing from the trauma of childhood sexual abuse : the journey for women

Author(s)

    • Duncan, Karen A.

Bibliographic Information

Healing from the trauma of childhood sexual abuse : the journey for women

Karen A. Duncan

Praeger, c2004

  • : pbk

Available at  / 9 libraries

Search this Book/Journal

Note

Includes bibliographical references (p. [237]-240) and index

Description and Table of Contents

Description

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 dilemma—moral and legal—that women face in exposing a sexual perpetrator within the family when not protected by the legal system due to statutes of limitations. She also discusses controversial topics including false memory and disclosure of memory to the perpetrator.

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

by "Nielsen BookData"

Details

Page Top