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Incest, child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation

This section offers a selection of helpful resources on incest, child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation.

All these resources are available on loan from the Women’s Support Project. You can also request books through your local library.

Download this resource list in pdf format  {294kb]

Self Help and Support

For Survivors

Beginning to heal: a first guide for female survivors of child sexual abuse
By Ellen Bass & Laura Davis
Pub. Cedar, London, 1993
By the authors of the ‘Courage toHeal’, this is a summary of the main points addressed in the earlier book,with five survivors’ stories. Clearly presented, this guide to the healing process has chapters on remembering, breaking silence, grieving etc.
Concise and easy to read and use.

Breaking free: help for survivors of child sexual abuse
By Carolyn Ainscough & Kay Toon
Pub. Insight, 1993
This book is primarily a self-help book for adult survivors it contains information about sexual abuse, the kinds of problems it can cause and ways in which survivors can begin to deal with these problems.The authors draw on their experiences,working mainly with women, as psychologists in Wakefield. The information is also useful for family, relatives and helpers.

The courage to heal
A guide for women survivors of child sexual abuse
By Ellen Bass and Laura Davis
Pub. Harper&Row, USA, 1988
A very comprehensive book which is suitable for using on your own, with a counsellor or friend, or in a group.

The courage to heal workbook
For women and men survivors of child sexual abuse
By Laura Davis
Pub.Harper&Row, USA, 1990
Intended as a companion to “The courage to heal”, this includes checklists,writing exercises, arts projects and activities.

Repressed memories
A journey
By Renee Fredrickson, PhD
Pub. Fireside Books, USA, 1992
A useful, stimulating read. A good self-help book, but only if used in conjunction with good support and an understanding friend, partner, survivor or counsellor. Gives methods in recovering memories such as dream work. Each chapter ends with a set of exercises,which are intended to empower the reader.

She who is lost is remembered
Healing from incest through creativity
By Louise M. Wisechild
Pub. The Seal Press, USA, 1991
An anthology of creative work by survivors: poetry, short stories, painting, sketches, photography, sculpture, and songs by women contributors. Accompanied by personal essays that describe how women have used the creative powers as part of a healing experience.

Healing the trauma of abuse
A woman’s workbook
By Mary Ellen Copeland M.AM.S and Maxine Harris PhD
Pub. New Harbinger Publications Inc., USA, 2000
This workbook aims to guide survivors step by step through the healing process.

Ordinary wonders
Living recovery from sexual abuse
By Lilian Green
Pub. Women’s Press, Canada, 1992
The author traces her recovery from childhood and adult physical, emotional and sexual abuse.

Victims no longer
Men recovering from incest and other sexual abuse
By Mike Lew,
Pub.Harper & Row, USA, 1990
A comprehensive handbook, which includes chapters on survival, after effects, and recovery.

Leaping upon the mountains
Men proclaiming victory over child sexual abuse
By Mike Lew
Pub. Small Wonder Books, USA, 1999
Continuing from‘Victims no longer‘ and with contributions from male survivors a very helpful book

For family, friends and supporters

Allies in healing: when the person you love was sexually abused as a child
By Laura Davis
Pub. Harper Perennial, USA, 1991
Written for partners of survivors of child sexual abuse. The areas covered range from basic explanations of child sexual abuse and its effects on the adult, to a wide variety of issues arising in relationships with survivors.

Family fallout
A handbook for families of adult sexual abuse survivors
By Dorothy Beaulieu Landry
Pub. Safer Society Press, USA, 1991
For those close to an adult who has disclosed or is dealing with childhood sexual abuse. Helps families to understand the healing process and look at their own feelings about the abuse.

Outgrowing the pain together
A book for spouses and partners of adults abused as children
By Eliana Gil, PhD
Pub. Dell, USA, 1992
Helps to understand the effects of childhood sexual abuse. Includes information on anger management, intimacy, decision-making, commitment etc.

Partners in recovery
By Beverly Engel,M.F.C.C.
Pub. Fawcett Columbine, 1991
Aimed at friends, partners etc. of adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Intended to help these‘pro survivors’ to learn how to support and cope with survivors as they go through the recovery process.

For counsellors

Counselling adult survivors of child sexual abuse.
By Christiane Sanderson
Pub. Jessica Kingsley, London, 1995
Helpful overview for counsellors/supporters.

Good practice in counselling people who have been abused
Ed By Zetta Bear,
Pub. Jessica Kingsley, London, 1998
By addressing the issues of physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse and neglect experienced in childhood or adulthood, this book aims to provide the reader with a theoretical understanding of people who have been abused, and a
range of practical approaches to counselling them.

Lifting the lid: A practical guide to working with people abused in childhood
By Lois Arnold & AnneMagill
Pub. The Basement Project, Bristol, 1999
Brief introduction to issues involved in working with survivors of abuse.

Surviving child sexual abuse: a handbook for helping women challenge their past
By Liz Hall and Siobhan Lloyd
Pub. Farmer Press, London, 1989
Useful for anyone who is supporting survivors of child sexual abuse. Outlines the long-term effects of child sexual abuse and incest, stages of recovery,working with incest survivors groups, therapeutic techniques and issues for helpers.

Surviving secrets
By Moira Walker
Pub. Open University Press, 1992
Makes extensive use of adult survivors’ first hand accounts of child abuse (sexual, physical, and psychological). Includes accounts of their attempts to tell and explores the effects of abuse on their adult lives. Includes experience of both men and women, and abuse by both sexes. Ends with outline of key stages in the
counselling process and looks briefly at issues for workers.

Yes you can
Working with survivors of childhood sexual abuse
By Sarah Nelson & Sue Hampson
Pub. The Scottish Government, 2008
For people working with, or likely to be working with, survivors of childhood sexual abuse, with a particular focus on the impact that childhood sexual abuse can have on mental health and well being.

Survivors’ accounts and novels

Broken
By Shy Keenan
Pub.Hodder & Stoughton, London, 2008
Badly beaten and sexually abused from an early age she survived a horrific childhood, Shy Keenan went on to become the co-founder of Phoenix Survivors.

Colour purple, the
By Alice Walker
Pub.Women’s Press, London, 1983
This novel is about sisters fromthe deep south of America. One of which Celie was raped by her father which resulted in the birth of her two children.The book follows her life and eventual happiness.

Courage to tell
Christian Survivors of sexual abuse tell their stories of pain and hope
Produced by CTBI, 1999
A good resource for christian survivors.

Cry hard and swim
By Jacqueline Spring
Pub. Virago, London, 1987
This is the true story of a woman who was abused by her father. The book describes her childhood, how as an adult she became involved in therapy, and how through talking to other women in incest survivors’ groups she began to learn how common her feelings and conflicts were.

Don’t: a woman’s word
By Elly Danica
Pub. The Women’s Press, London, 1988
This book describes the author’s memories of abuse by her father and his ‘friends’.
Also explains how her mother was afraid and powerless to help.This is a very painful book to read clearly showing how children can be tricked, bullied and threatened into silence.

Handstands in the dark
A true story of growing up and survival
By Janey Godley
Pub. Edbury Press, UK, 2006
Janey’s account of life with her family in the east end of Glasgow and dealing with abuse from her uncle.

I choose to live
By Sabine Dardebbe with Marie Theresa Cuny
Pub. Virago, London, 2005
A harrowing account of a young girl,who was abducted, sexually abused, raped and locked in a tiny room in a cellar in Belgium by the serial killer and child molester Marc Detroux.

I never told anyone
Writings by women survivors of child sexual abuse
Edit by Ellen Bass and Louise Thornton
Pub.Harper&Row, USA, 1983
A collection of stories and poetry written by survivors of incest and child sexual abuse. Distressing to read.

Sexualisation and Sexual Exploitation of Children and Young people

Advice to parents who are concerned that their child is in an exploitative relationship
Prepared by Adele L. Weir
Produced by Crop, England, 2004
This booklet gives information on what is an exploitative relationship and who is in danger. Includes information on warning signs and what parents can do.

A guide to parent support work
By CROP, Leeds
A workers guide to supporting parents affected by the sexual exploitation of their children.

Anchors in floating lives
Interventions with young people sexually abused through prostitution
Edit by Margaret Melrose with David Barrett
Pub. Russell House Publishing, 2004
Taking account of the commercial sexual exploitation of children and young people some of the issues this book addresses are: How these commercial practices have come about, how young people become involve,what needs to be done in practice in order to respond effectively to young people’s needs.

Can’t buy my love
How advertising changes the way we think and feel
By Jean Kilbourne
Pub. Touchstone, New York, 1999
The average American is exposed to over 3,000 advertisements a day and watches three years’ worth of television ads over the course of a lifetime. Kilbourne paints a gripping portrait of how this barrage of advertising drastically affects young people, especially girls, by offering false promises of rebellion, connection, and control. She also offers a surprising analysis of the way advertising creates and then feeds an addictive mentality that often continues
throughout adulthood.

Getting real
Challenging the sexualisation of girls
Edit by Melinda Tankard Reist
Pub. Spinifex, Australia, 2009
This book brings together writers, advocates and academics including some of the most vocal critics of the widespread pornification of culture.They call corporations, the media and the sex industry to account for creating this toxic environment.

Living dolls
The return of sexism
By NatashaWalter
Pub. Virago Press, London, 2010
Empowerment, liberation and choice.Once the watchwords of feminism, these terms have now been co-opted by a society that sells women an airbrushed, highly sexualised and increasingly narrow vision of femininity.While the opportunities available to women may have expanded, the ambitions of many young girls are in reality limited by a culture that sees women’s sexual allure as
their only passport to success.

Parents, children and pimps
Families speak about sexual exploitation
A research report By CROP
Pub. CROP, Leeds, 2005
A research report.

The seduction of children
Empowering parents and teachers to protect children from child sexual abuse
By Christiane Sanderson
Pub. Jessica Kingsley, London, 2005
Addressing parents and teachers, this book aims to provide accurate information so that they can more easily identify children who are being abused and protect them from it.

Sexy.inc.
http://films.nfb.ca/sexy-inc/
Film clips and information on a documentary by Sophie Bissonnette which analyses the targeting of children through marketing and advertising, bombarding them with sexual and sexist images.

Stop she’s my daughter
By Christine Miles
Pub. CROP, Leeds, 2007
Mothers of abuse victims share their stories of grooming and child sexual exploitation in the UK.

Your skirt’s too short
Sex, power and choice
By Emily Maguire
Pub. The Text Publishing Company, Melbourne, Australia, 2010
Discusses sex, power and choice in the context of young women’s lives, providing readers with the courage and the knowledge to tackle those issues head on.

Reading for Children and Young People

For younger children

Got to be me
By Merill Harmin
Pub. Argus Communications, 1976
A colouring book for children, which gives children a chance to write about their feelings and thoughts.

I told my secret
A book for kids who were abused
By Eliana Gill
Pub. Launch Press, USA, 1986
This book will help parents/carers answer possible questions from children who have been abused.

Mousie
By Khadj Rouf
Pub. The Children’s Society, London, 1989
Illustrated storybook for children 4–9 years, written by a survivor of abuse. Good.

My book my body
Pub. The Children’s Society, London, 1989
A colouring book for children aged 4–11,which aims to help children talk about their feelings.

Rabbit’s golden rulebook
By Pam Adams
Pub. Child’s Play (International) Ltd, 1988
This story poses lots of relevant questions for children, the answers to which are the golden rules for keeping safe. (Particularly for very young children.)

Secrets
By Khadj Rouf
Pub. The Children’s Society, London, 1989
An account of sexual abuse within a family told in illustrations. The author, who was abused, is of mixed race and has produced two versions of the story, one featuring a black family and the other white.

Something happened tome
By Phyllis E. Sweet
Pub.Mother Courage Press, USA, 1986
A story about children who feel bad, different and scared because something has happened,The story tells how children felt better after they told someone and were able to talk.This book is good in that it does not give any details of what happened so children can use the story to fit in with their own experiences.

Willow Street kids, the
By Michele Elliot
Pub. Bedford Square Press/NCVO, London, 1986
A collection of stories designed to help children deal safely with potentially dangerous situations.
For young people

Hear! We are!
By Young Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse
Pub. Dundee Rape Crisis Centre Young Women’s Group, 1995
Poetry collection written by young survivors.

Hurting inside: a book for young people
By Lois Arnold & Anne Magill
Pub. The Basement Project, Abergavenny, 1998
This book is for young people who have experienced distress due to sexual, physical or emotional abuse. Covering feelings, problems with family, relationships, sexuality, self-esteemand self-harm.Also has a chapter on making a better life for yourself.

Out in the open: a guide for young people who have been sexually abused
By Ouaine Bain&Maureen Sanders
Pub. Virago Press, London, 1988
Very useful book whether for teenagers or adults. Positive and helpful and covers the main issues.

Shining through pulling it together after sexual abuse
For girls aged 10 and up
By Mindy B. Loiselle & Leslie Bailey Wright
Pub. Safer Society Press, USA, 1997
This guide will help young girls explore their feelings. Could also help women understand the feelings they had as children. The book covers: feelings, coping, relationships, therapy, self-esteem, and body image.

Novels

Cherie
By Ann Bailey
Pub. Faber&Faber, 1994
Suzy and her father return home one night to discover that their house has been burgled and Cherie – Suzy’s younger sister has been raped. Struggling with their own guilt at having left Cherie in the house alone, they attempt to resume their lives as if nothing has changed.

Happy endings are all alike
By Sandra Scopperttone
Pub. Pan, London, 1987
Follows the story of two young women who fall in love, and the effect of a rape attack on one, by a teenage boy they know. Touches on the difficulties of telling and being believed when you are raped by an acquaintance.

Pinballs,The
By Besty Byers
Pub. Puffin Books, London, 1988
Callie,Harvey and Thomas J. are foster children from different homes, but all have one thing in common, like pinballs with no control where they bounce. A story of young people’s confusion on finding themselves uprooted from familiar, if problematic situations.

Push me pull me
By Sandra Chick
Pub. The Women’s Press, London, 1987
The story of a young girl who is raped by her stepfather. Describes how this abusive behaviour makes it almost impossible for the girl to feel close to her mother.

Working with Children and Young People

Advice on talking with children

Keeping safe: a practical guide to talking with children
By Michele Elliot
Pub. Coronet Books, London, 1994
Gives practical suggestions and examples of how and when to discuss sexual abuse with children.

No more secrets: protecting your child from sexual assault
By Caren Adams & Jennifer Fay
Pub. Impact USA, 1981
Topics covered include what is child sexual assault, where to begin talking to children, hints on what to say, games to help in protection. Also a chapter on how children may tell or show they have been abused.

No is not enough: helping teenagers avoid sexual assault
Pub. Impact, USA, 1984
Offers advice for parents on how to raise the issues of abuse, and possible ways of answering common questions.

Where do I start: a parents guide to talking to teenagers about
acquaintance rape
By Py Bateman & Gail Stringer
Pub. Kendall Hunt, USA, 1984
This booklet looks at acquaintance rape, different gender perceptions, peer pressure, what do teenagers need to know etc. Gives suggestions on how to raise such issues with teenagers and brief section on what to do if your child is abused.

Awareness programmes

Feel Think Do
Sexual abuse prevention programme
Produced by NHS Forth Valley Health Promotion Department, 2006
An awareness programme developed for working in primary schools to address personal safety and sexual abuse prevention. The pack includes a DVD and information on running a parents/carers section. This pack cannot be used unless you have attended training with Forth Valley Health Promotion. For further
details please email:
maryscottwatson@nhs.net
pamela.vannan@nhs.net

Feeling Yes Feeling No
Running Time 43 minutes
Produced by Viewtech EducationalMedia, 1984
This DVD promotes a Canadian sexual assault awareness programme in schools. There is a 20-minute adult version, very useful in work with children and/or parents to prompt discussion on risk of sexual assault. Also can be used for work with non-abusing parents. Is accompanied by notes.

Taking care
Preventing child sexual abuse
By Clodagh Corcoran
Pub. Poolbeg Press, 1987
For parents and all adults who care about the well being of children. The author believes ‘an informed child is a safe child’ and gives guidelines and prevention tactics for children of all ages. A useful practical book ,which has plenty of general advice.

The Stay Safe Project
By Moira Anderson Foundation, Airdrie, Scotland, 2010
This resource pack for teachers and trainers is part of the Stay Safe Project to help prevent child sexual abuse and to empower young people to protect themselves by using protective behaviour strategies. Please contact Moira Anderson Foundation for further information on this pack www.moiraanderson.org

The Wee VIP Project
Abuse prevention programme for pre-school children and their parents.
Produced by Eighteen and Under, Dundee, 1999
This pack aims to increase the confidence and skills of parents in speaking with their children about keeping safe, and to increase the ability of young children todeal with potentially abusive situations.

Working with Abused children

The Anti-colouring book,
By Susan Striker&Edward Kimmel
Pub. Scholastic, 1989
Play book for children with drawings and word exercises. Can be used to ascertain what is good and bad in children’s lives. It could therefore be used to find the impact of abuse on the child and what their worries and concerns are.

Be aware
Supporting young survivors of abuse
By Laurie Matthew
Pub.Wee VIP Publication, Dundee, 2001
Written in layman’s terms and aimed at parents, carers, workers, friends and family. This book is intended to raise awareness and assist people who come into contact with young survivors to be better equipped to understand the many issues involved in providing support.

Cartwheels
A workbook for children who have been sexually abused
Ages 10–13
By Phyllis Spinal-Robinson. L.C.S.W. and Randi Easton Wickham, L.C.S.W.
Pub. Jalice Publishers, USA 1993
Helps children and their therapists to talk about the sexual abuse that they have experienced, and also helps them to understand their feelings.

Cartwheels
Therapists guide
By Phyllis Spinal-Robinson. L.C.S.W. and Randi Easton Wickham, L.C.S.W.
Pub. Jalice Publishers, USA, 1993
Provides an explanation of the purpose of each exercise in the workbook for children (above), plus suggestions of how to use them to supplement therapy.

Feeling good again
A workbook for children who have been sexually abused
By Burt Wasserman
Pub. The Safer Society Press, USA, 1998
A good resource for working with abused children that has sections on: dealing with your feelings, from victim to survivor, feeling good again. The last section ‘More questions’ deals with such issues as: anger, sexuality, telling friends etc. Also includes a guide for parents and therapists.

Jimmy and the Island of Magic
Pub. TheWider Circle Publication, Belfast, 2009
A book which aims to help children deal with sensitive issues.

Molly mop and the little wizard
By Michael A Westland & Eamon McGreave
Pub.Workforce Training Services, Belfast, 2009
A book to help children deal with their feelings which includes notes for adults working with children.

My feeling better workbook
Help for kids who are sad or depressed
By Sara Hamil, LCSW
Pub. Instant Help Books, A Division of New Harbinger Publications Inc. USA, 2008
The activities in this book help children to explore their feelings.

Helping abused children
A book for those who work with sexually abused children
By Patricia Kehoe
Pub. Parenting Press, USA, 1988
Provides basic background information on child sexual abuse, child development, and the ways in which young children respond to sexual abuse and its aftermath. Includes guidelines for using the storybook ‘Something happened and I’m scared to tell’– see reading for children & young people – books for younger children.

Helping strategies for child sexual abuse
By Celia Doyle
Pub.Whiting &Birch, London, 1997
Aimed both at those who work with abused children and those who may come across the problem occasionally. It provides an introduction to the different types and settings of abuse and the difficulties faced by children The importance of ‘believing children’ is emphasised.

My own thoughts and feelings (for boys)
By Wendy Deaton M.A.
Pub .Hunter House Inc., USA, 1993
A workbook about exploring feelings also included is a guide for therapists.

My own thoughts and feelings (for girls)
By Wendy Deaton M.A.
Pub.Hunter House Inc., USA, 1993
A workbook about exploring feelings also included is a guide for therapists.

Play therapy with abused children
By Ann Cattanach
Pub. Jessica Kingsley, London, 1992
Clear and easy to use which balances factual information and case material. Covers emotional, physical and sexual abuse.

Poppies on the rubbish heap: sexual abuse the child’s voice
By Madge Bray
Pub. Cannongate Press
Madge Bray expresses openly and honestly her own personal development as a practitioner and provides an interesting account of the difficulties she faced in developing a strategy of working with abused and disturbed children.

Windows to our children
By Violet Oaklander
Pub. Gestalt Journal Press, USA, 1989
Outlines techniques for art therapy with children and adults. It covers drawings and work with clay, puppets, and music relaxation drama therapy, play therapy. It also looks at problems such as aggression, hyperactivity, withdrawn behaviour etc.

Working with abused children
By Celia Doyle
Pub. BASW, 1990
A large part of this book is devoted to giving practical suggestions for therapy with abused children through individual, family and groupwork. The last chapter is devoted to long-term effects of abuse and the help that can be given to adults who have abused children.

Children and young people who sexually abuse others

Challenges and Responses
Edit by Marcus Erooga &Helen Masson
Pub. Routledge, Oxon, 1999
Presents key research findings about incidence, prevalence and characteristics of young sexual abusers. The text includes issues such as policy and service development, sexually aggressive children (those under 10 years) and female
adolescent sexual abusers; evaluating treatment of outcomes in relation to young abusers, and issues around empowered and empowering practice in this area of work.

Facing the future
A guide for parents of young people who have sexually abused
By Simon Hackett
Pub. Russell House Publishing, UK, 2001
This guide can be used as: a stand-alone source of practical advice and support for parents or as a resource to be used flexibly and selectively by practitioners. Each chapter includes a mixture of description of key issues, practical information and advice, case examples and summary points.

Stop!
Just for kids
For kids with sexual touching problems – by kids with sexual
touching problems
Adapted from the original writings by Terri Alfred M.T.S and Gary Burn M.S.
Pub. Safer Society Press, USA, 1997
Based on a book written voluntarily by a group of 10 to 13 year old boys in a residential treatment programme for young sex offenders.
For carers of sexually abused children

Children and trauma
A parents guide to helping children heal
By Cynthia Monahon
Pub. Lexington Books, New York, 1993
This book explains the effects of trauma on children and offers parents help in restoring their child’s sense of safety. Also discusses when professional help is needed.

Helping your child recover from sexual abuse
By Caren Adams & Jennifer Fay
Pub. University of Washington Press, Seattle, 1987
Covers: believing your child; legal system family and friend responses; children’s
reactions; rebuilding self esteem; sexuality self possession; and moving on. Includes lists of any difficulties, which may arise, and practical suggestion on how you could respond
Helpful for parents of abused children.

Spiders and flies: help for parents and teachers of sexually abused children
By Donald Hillman & Janice Solek-Tefft
Pub. Lexington Books, USA, 1988
Aims to provide parents and teachers of sexually abused children with specific strategies they can use to help alleviate stress and improve coping skills, for themselves and the children. Contains some useful advice.

When your child has been molested: a parent’s guide to healing & recovery
By Katherine B. Hagans &Joyce Case
Pub. Lexington Books, USA, 1990
Designed to help adults cope with the sexual abuse of their child. Deals with incest and child sexual abuse, the effects and procedures if reported (from an American viewpoint). It does not consider gender issues; there is however, some very useful material in the book that would help non-abusing parents work with
their children.

Ritual Abuse

Out of darkness
Exploring satanism & ritual abuse
By David K. Sakheim & Susan E. Devine
Pub. Lexington Books, New York, 1992
This text looks at extent of satanic cults and asks if there is a correlation between satanism and child abuse. The authors bring together researchers in forensic psychiatry ,multiple personality and dissociative disorders, traumatic stress, and religious studies, as well as an FBI agent and two ritual abuse survivors, to offer a
balanced view.

The politics and experience of ritual abuse
Beyond disbelief
By Sara Scott
Pub. Open University Press, UK, 2001
The Politics and Experience of Ritual Abuse has been written for anyone interested in the specific controversy over ritual abuse, including students and researchers in criminology, social work, sociology and women’s studies.

Treating survivors of Satanist abuse
Edits Valerie Sinason
Pub. Routledge, London, 1994
Disclosing satanist abuse often meets with disbelief and denial. Professionals, working with the problem, join together in providing essential information and practical advice for others working in this disturbing field.

Practice, Research and Theory

Overview

Best kept secret, the
By Florence Rush
Pub. McGraw-Hill, USA, 1991
This book is very comprehensive, looks at the roots of child sexual abuse e.g. through fairy tales. Looks at the Freudian cover up, sex education and the child molester, child prostitution, sexual abuse of boys etc. Contains many stories from survivors of abuse.

Incest, fact and myth
By Sarah Nelson
Pub. Stramullion, Edinburgh, 1987
This book gives an excellent introduction to the realities of incest and sexual abuse. Covers facts and figures on incidence, age of the victims, offenders and consequences. Deals with‘myths’ of incest such as seductive children, collusive mothers, and uses examples to expose how misleading and damaging such myths
are. This is a good book for anyone wanting a general ‘overview’ of this area.

Sexual abuse of children, the
By Miriam Saphira
Pub. Papers Inc., USA, 1985
This book gives a general ‘overview’ of the realities of child sexual abuse. It looks at myths indicators, the offenders, incest, effects, major issues in counselling and prevention.

Research

Adult male survivors of childhood sexual abuse
By Kim Etherington
Pub. Pitman Publishing, London, 1995
Presents recent research findings fromin-depth interviews with adult men who were abused in childhood. Addresses current controversies such as ‘false memory syndrome’, and discusses therapeutic issues for working with and providing care and help for male survivors.

An exploratory study of the prevalence of sexual abuse in a sample of 16–21 year olds
By Liz Kelly, Linda Regan and Sheila Burton
Pub. Child Abuse Studies Unit, University Of North London, 1991
Report of a research project, which interviewed 1244 young adults. Details of the main findings, and conclusions drawn from the research.

A source book on child sexual abuse
By David Finklehor
Pub. Sage, USA, 1987
Review of research on different aspects of child sexual abuse. Very useful, both for giving an overview of current ideas and a source of references for further reading.

Child sexual abuse: new theory and research
By David Finklehor,
Pub. The Free Press, USA, 1984
A very important book based on work with survivors, and on recent research. This book looks at victims, abusers, how the public defines sexual abuse, boys as victims’ women as perpetrators, long-term effects and professional responses. Also includes a chapter on “preconditions for abuse”.

Hearing the truth: The importance of listening to children who disclose sexual abuse
By NCH Action for Children
Pub. NCH, London, 1996
Research carried out by NCH Action for Children into the experiences of adult survivors of child sexual abuse. Includes discussion of research findings and appropriate policy response.

Home truths about child sexual abuse: A reader
Edit by Catherine Itzin
Pub. Routledge, London, 2000
This book brings together the findings and research and clinical work by leading figures in the UK and USA. It makes visible the prevalence of sexual abuse and exploitation of children by heterosexual men, both within and outside the family. Aimed at professionals, researchers and policymakers.

Is there a correlation between child sexual abuse and domestic violence?
An exploratory study of the links between child sexual abuse and domestic violence in a sample of interfamilial child sexual abuse cases
By Janette Forman
Pub .Women’s Support Project, 1994
The report of a study of 20 women from Glasgow and the surrounding area, whose children had been sexually abused by their partner. This report will help to gain further understanding of the links between domestic violence and child
sexual abuse. This report is available to download online from
www.womenssupportproject.co.uk

Remodelling life in the aftermath of child sexual abuse
A study exploring the support needs of sexually abused children, young
people and non-abusing parents
By Dr Wendy Guthrie on behalf of the Women’s Support Project, 2004
This research is based on the experiences of those who have had to deal with the issues. Highlights the dilemmas for those involved in knowing what actions to take.

Splintered lives: Sexual exploitation of children in the context of children’s
rights and child protection
By Liz Kelly, Rachel Wingfield, Sheila Burton &Linda Regan
Pub. Barnardos, London, 1995
An excellent overview and background information. Especially recommended for policymakers.

The ethics of survivor research
Guidelines for the ethical conduct of research carried out by mental health service users and survivors
By Alison Faulkner
Pub. The Policy Press, Bristol, 2004
Guidelines to assist researchers, trainers in research skills and interviewers working from the perspective of mental health users and survivors.

The male survivor: the impact of sexual abuse
By Matthew Parynik Mendel
Pub. Sage, USA, 1995
This book includes an original study of male survivors of child sexual abuse, based on questionnaire responses of 124 men. Includes a brief history of the topic of child sexual abuse, literature on the prevalence, and descriptive characteristics of male sexual abuse and understanding the impact of sexual abuse on males.

The secret trauma
Incest in the lives of girls and women
By Diana E.H. Russell
Pub: Basic Books, (revised edition), New York, 1987
Describes her study in five parts: study, problem, victims, perpetrators, and families, which involve all the relevant aspects. Includes case examples in each section.

Theory

Child Sexual Abuse
By Danya Glaser &Stephen Frosh
Pub.MacMillan Education, London, 1993
An extremely practical book written for all professionals involved with the care, protection and treatment of children. For this second edition, the authors have included new developments in theory and research and taken account of legal changes that have substantially altered the practice of all professionals working with sexually abused children.

Child sexual abuse: feminist perspectives
Eds Emily Driver & Audrey Droisen
Pub.MacMillan. 1989
This book looks at theories and practice in respect of child sexual abuse. As well as providing a realistic analysis as a basis for action, the book provides practical
advice on detecting child abuse, a checklist of offenders’ behaviour ideas for
organising in adult groups, and guidelines for working with children and young people particularly from black and ethnic minorities.

Creative Responses to Child Sexual Abuse: challenges and dilemmas
Edited by Sue Richardson and Heather Bacon
Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2001
Using case studies and testimonies from children this book challenges attitudes of child blame and promotes a child centred approach. In addition, Richardson and Bacon have highlighted the dilemmas experienced by workers and the effect this has on support for children. Drawing on their experience in Cleveland, they
liken the experience of workers, who are sidelined for believing children to the pressure experienced by children, who have no voice, a recurring theme throughout the book.

Lasting Effects of Child Sexual Abuse
Ed Wyatt and Powell
Pub. Sage USA, 1988
This is a book for professionals. It is largely made up of psychological studies and for the most part will not be accessible to the lay reader. Having said that, there are one or two excellent contributions which deserve to be read in the post-
Cleveland atmosphere, notably Roland C. Summit’s paper entitled“ Hidden Victims, Hidden Pain Societal Avoidance of Child Sexual Abuse’ .Which goes into the reasons why abusers are protected at the expense of children and the adults who believe them.

Framing abuse
Media influence and public understanding of sexual violence against children
By Jenny Kitzinger
Pub. Pluto Books, London, 2004
Shows how the media influences the ways we perceive and deal with child sexual abuse.

Unofficial secrets: the Cleveland case
By Beatrix Campbell
Pub. Virago, London, 1988
An important book which looks at ways in which the police, social workers, doctors and other health workers reacted to the problem of child sexual abuse during the “Cleveland Crisis”. Also looks at the role of the press, how individual workers were blamed for the problem and at the lack of discussion on why such child sexual abuse happens. Well worth reading.

DVDs

Mysterious skin
101 minutes
A teenage hustler and a young man obsessed with alien abductions cross paths, together discovering a horrible, liberating truth. Harrowing film, but excellent portrayal of how young men survivors of child sexual abuse deal with this experience in different ways.

The Woodsman
84 minutes
A child sex abuser returns to his hometown after 12 years in prison and attempts to start a new life. Given the limited material looking at child sex abusers and the context in which they abuse, this film deals with the issue in a measured way. Good to show to prompt discussion and raising awareness.

Deliver us from evil
99 minutes
A documentary about Father Oliver O’Grady, a Catholic priest who was relocated to various parishes around the United States during the 1970s in an attempt by the Catholic Church to cover up his rape of dozens of children.