The text provides an overview of the culture and experiences of today's youth and the hurts that affect them as individual, members of families, and members of society. Adolescents describe their vulnerabilities, inner turmoil, and insecurities. The students' disclosures are combined with information about the nature and impacts of adolescent maltreatment, emotional maltreatment, physical abuse and neglect, abusive families, and child sexual abuse. Sex offenders, ritual abuse, and the components of effective intervention and treatment are also discussed. Communication methods to use in prevention efforts are discussed, with emphasis on basic techniques, public speaking, student involvement techniques, ways to handle stage fright, cross- cultural communications, and leadership of discussions. Figures, checklists, outlines, and chapter reference lists