Healing From The Trauma Of Childhood Sexual Abuse

by Duncan, Karen A.

• ISBN13: 9780275980849
• ISBN10: 0275980847
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2004-08-30
• Publisher: Praeger Pub Text

Summary

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.

Author Biography

Karen A. Duncan is a marriage and family therapist and licensed social worker. She has 19 years of experience working with women and children recovering from childhood sexual abuse. She is in private practice in Indiana

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
Acknowledgments	xiii
Introduction	1	(7)
Chapter 1 The Trauma of Childhood Sexual Abuse	8	(23)
Chapter 2 Remembering the Trauma	31	(20)
Chapter 3 A Family Legacy	51	(14)
Chapter 4 Chronic Shock Symptoms and Dissociation	65	(15)
Chapter 5 The Stages of Treatment and Healing	80	(15)
Chapter 6 Prolonged Problems from Childhood Sexual Abuse	95	(35)
Chapter 7 Ending the Pretense	130	(16)
Chapter 8 Moral, Legal, and Family Issues Related to Exposing a Perpetrator	146	(18)
Chapter 9 The Therapeutic Relationship	164	(18)
Chapter 10 The Voices of Women	182	(9)
Appendix A Trauma and Memory	191	(4)
Appendix B Distorted Thought Patterns	195	(3)
Appendix C Characteristics of a Healthy Family	198	(2)
Appendix D Symptoms of Chronic Shock	200	(2)
Appendix E Managing Anxiety	202	(3)
Appendix F Dissolving the Rage and Anger	205	(2)
Appendix G Boundaries	207	(3)
Appendix H Suggestions for Family Members	210	(5)
Appendix I Forgiveness	215	(2)
Appendix J Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder	217	(4)
Notes	221	(12)
Suggested Resources	233	(4)
Selected Bibliography	237	(4)
Index	241