NCJ Number
151801
Date Published
1992
Length
94 pages
Annotation
Written to help sexual abuse victims, the book describes what sexual abuse is, who abuses sexually, and ways of stopping and dealing with the effects of sexual abuse.
Abstract
The authors stress the importance of telling someone about sexual abuse until action is taken to stop the abuse. Sexual abuse can be reported to teachers, police officers, relatives, neighbors, friends, or parents. While some children are abused by strangers, most are abused by someone they know and trust. Abusers use their power to take advantage of young people. In addition to telling someone about sexual abuse, victims need to take specific steps to deal with their experiences and trauma. Such steps may involve keeping a journal or self-help strategies. Emotional trauma resulting from sexual abuse must be dealt with, and victims need to express their innermost thoughts and secrets. Victims also need to overcome feelings of fear, shame, guilt, anger, and sadness. They must learn how to cope constructively with the effects of abuse and to defuse family crises. Further, young people who have been sexually abused need to learn how to re-establish positive sexual relationships, to seek the help of therapists, and to realize they can turn their lives around.