NCJ Number
153894
Date Published
1994
Length
265 pages
Annotation
Directed to adolescents who are being sexually abused or have been abused in the past, this volume provides step-by-step guidelines and advice on crucial practical issues such as knowing who to tell, making themselves safe, dealing with friends, becoming comfortable with their sexuality, going to court, living with their families after they tell, and surviving the trauma of sexual abuse.
Abstract
The guidelines aim to assist teenagers in learning to overcoming their feelings of isolation, confusion, and self- doubt. Individual sections explain the nature and incidence of sexual abuse, how to recognize whether behaviors represent abuse, the specific actions to take after abuse is recognized, techniques for interacting with family members and professionals, interactions with friends, the psychological impacts of sexual abuse, and methods of recovery. Attitudes and characteristics of offenders, victims, and friends are also presented. The authors are a social worker who coordinates a Maryland sexual abuse treatment program and a survivor of sexual abuse and incest. Checklists, index, and 59 references