A Mother's Nightmare - Incest A Practical Legal Guide for Parents and Profession

by John E. B. Myers

• ISBN13: 9780761910589
• ISBN10: 0761910581
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1997-05-31
• Publisher: Sage Publications

Summary

When parents - usually mothers - try to protect their children from sexual abuse, they can be devastated to find that support from the legal system is not always there. Suspecting their husbands or partners of the abuse, mothers may seek a divorce and custody or, if already divorced, request withdrawal of visitation rights. However, if unable to prove abuse, a mother can be labelled 'hysterical' and her desperate efforts to secure her child's safety may jeopardize her case - and even result in the suspected perpetrator being granted custody of the child.A ddressesing this troubling issue, this book provides parents and professionals with the necessary information to protect themselves against a legal system backfire. John E B Myers advises parents not to act too quickly, stresses the importance of documenting evidence and supplies a step-by-step strategy for attaining victory in the current United States court system. Topics discussed include: psychosocial evaluations; legal options; consequences of false allegations; and maintaining emotional balance.

Table of Contents

One Mother's Nightmare

PART ONE: ESSENTIAL INFORMATION ABOUT CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

Defining Child Sexual Abuse and Other Forms of Child Maltreatment

What Does the Future Hold for a Child Who Has Been Sexually Abused?

Who Are the Men Who Sexually Abuse Children? Why Do They Do It? Can Molesters Be Cured?

PART TWO: A MOTHER'S ALLIES: THE LEGAL SYSTEM, A GOOD LAWYER, MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Introduction to the US Legal System

Criminal Court, Family Court, Juvenile Court

Finding a Lawyer

Help from Mental Health Professionals

The Critically Important Psychosocial Assessment

PART THREE: DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM, FAMILY COURT, CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES AND JUVENILE COURT

The Criminal Justice System

Family Court

Divorce, Child Custody and Child Visitation

Child Protective Services Agency and Juvenile Court

PART FOUR: PROVING CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN COURT: OVERCOMING OBSTACLES AND PROTECTING YOUR CHILD

Obstacles to Proving Child Sexual Abuse in Court

Sorting Out Your Suspicions, Controlling Your Emotions

The Legal Importance of What Your Child Tells You and Others about the Abuse

Changes in Your Child's Behavior as Evidence of Sexual Abuse

PART FIVE: SUMMING IT ALL UP: PLAN FOR VICTORY, PREPARE FOR DEFEAT

Plan for Victory

Prepare for Defeat