Male and female survivors share their stories to let other victims know they are not alone. Also includes answers to basic questions about child sexual abuse, guidance in selecting a professional counselor, and additional resources to help former victims and their families begin their journey to recovery.

Twelve accounts from sexual assault survivors.

In the UK today, it is estimated that nearly one in twenty children are subjected to sexual abuse, with the overwhelming majority being abused within the family environment. However, despite its prevalence, intrafamilial child sexual abuse remains largely shrouded in silence, shame and stigma. Taking a phenomenological approach, this book presents ten retrospective first-person accounts from adult victims and survivors, exploring the impact of such abuse throughout the life course. These stories illustrate how child sexual abuse can cause trauma affecting almost every aspect of life: emotionally, psychologically, interpersonally, behaviourally and cognitively. However, they also demonstrate the remarkable resilience of the human spirit; of how adverse experiences can be lived with, processed, and assimilated. These accounts address a gap in what academics, practitioners and policy makers know about child sexual abuse; give victims and survivors a voice; and open up a conversation about one of the most enduring societal and cultural problems.

Written for victims of child sexual abuse who are now teenagers or adults and for counselors or others who want to understand and help these victims.

First Published in 1998. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

There is both good and evil in this world, and unfortunately, our precious children can be exposed to and experience some very dark and terrible things—nothing any child should have to endure. It's of the utmost importance that our children have a safe haven and that we teach them that they indeed have a voice and can express when they are hurt, scared, or abused. We must take their words and their actions seriously and do all in our power to protect them. Sexual abuse is rampant, and both children and adults need to be able to identify the warning signs and know what to do when faced with that trauma. Even when, and especially when it is someone we know and think we can trust! In this book, you will meet Joetta and her three woodland puppets. Through these puppets and their stories, children will learn what is and what is not appropriate behavior. And what to do if faced with the same situations. They will learn that it's okay to say “NO,” “STOP,” and to use their voice to prevent anyone from touching them or hurting them in any way that makes them uncomfortable.

Some of the most difficult things to talk about are also the most important. Sexual abuse happens more often than people realize but most kids don't learn about it until after it happens. This book will help give them the language to understand what sexual abuse is and start the conversation around owning their bodies and trusting their instincts.