NCJ Number
185172
Date Published
2000
Length
66 pages
Annotation
This book was written for 9- to 18- years-olds who think they may have been physically, sexually, or emotionally abused; although the book addresses all kinds of abuse, the focus is primarily on sexual abuse, as this type of abuse is often very hard for young people and adults to talk about.
Abstract
The authors wrote the book to help victims and their families and friends understand what happens after abuse and especially to help adolescents understand the ways in which the "system" may respond to their abuse. Questions asked in the book are those frequently asked of professionals who serve as victim-witness coordinators and therapists. The questions reflect the many different feelings young people have about abuse, abusers, and professionals they meet. The authors recognize that victims have many different reactions to what has happened to them, and they include as many of these reactions and questions in the book as possible. In addition, the authors realize that many people and professionals adolescents meet have different responses, and they present some of the typical responses adolescents may encounter. Overall, the book is intended as an introduction to community, agency, and individual responses to the disclosure of abuse by adolescents. It is not intended as a substitute for information or counseling by social workers, advocates, crisis workers, police, and therapists. Book chapters cover what constitutes abuse, talking about abuse, filing charges, the preliminary hearing or grand jury, protection and services, types of lawyers, the criminal trial, sentencing, feelings and the healing process, and resources. 33 illustrations