Successfully navigate the minefield of misinformation that can prevent justice from being done in child sexual abuse cases!From the Foreword, by Robert Geffner, PhD, editor of the Journal of Child Sexual Abuse: “Too often, the public and some professionals have been misled by media publicity and articles . . . that appear scientific, but in reality, are biased opinions or over-generalized research. Forensic cases are being decided in many courts based upon the recommendations of so-called 'expert witnesses’who do not actually know the clinical research or understand the dynamics of such abusive relationships.”This much-needed book points out and corrects misinformation that everyone who works with victims, offenders, or families in which sexual abuse has occurred needs to understand clearly. Especially vital in today's political climate, Misinformation Concerning Child Sexual Abuse and Adult Survivors gives you state-of-the-science information on such myths as “false memory syndrome,” “recovered memory therapy,” and the “lack of harm” to some sexually abused boys.Misinformation Concerning Child Sexual Abuse and Adult Survivors examines: forensic issues, including the “false memory” defense and how the long-term impact of childhood sexual abuse is often misrepresented in court three separate expert examinations of Rind, Tromovitch, and Bauserman's well-known--and often misrepresented--review of long-term child sexual abuse outcomes treatment recommendations and guidelines for addressing the memory controversy in clinical practice the fascinating case history/cautionary tale of the child molester Robert Halsey, who was convicted and sentenced to two life sentences in 1993, and how public and academic resources were misused to claim he was wrongly convicted

The book is intended for survivors of childhood sexual abuse and their supporters, friends and family. For the general reader the book offers insights into the effects of sexual abuse on the survivors' lives. The first part deals with information about childhood sexual abuse and why children remain silent about it. The second part offers ideas and techniques for victims to understand what has happened and to begin to make changes. Many of the chapters offer exercises to help people deal with their own experience. The third part gives supporters suggestions about how they may be able to help.

Written in simple, straightforward language by survivors for survivors, this manual is for adults who are beginning to remember and deal with childhood sexual abuse. It suggests several steps that have been helpful to other survivors and explains some of the issues to the important people in their lives.

This book is essential reading for any survivor of child sexual abuse, female or male. Many survivors of sexual abuse have not always been believed or supported through their developmental years. They have had to cope on their own, dealing with the aftermath of the abuse in whatever ways they could. This book offers ideas and techniques for understanding and healing which adult survivors in particular may find useful. It tends to be written with women in mind, but much of the information and many of the exercises may be useful for male survivors as well. This book will also be useful for the partners, families and friends giving support and encouragement to survivors who are healing themselves from the effects of abuse. Many survivors want those around them to understand what they've survived and its effects on their life. Part 1 provides information about child sexual abuse - what it is, why children remain silent about it, some of the effects abuse can have on a survivor's life and how these can be minimised, and who the offenders are. Part 2 is for survivors, helping them to understand and to cope with their unique experience of child sexual abuse. Part 3 is specifically for supporters and caregivers of survivors.

'This book will be enormously helpful to those who have endured sexual abuse' Nursing Times This classic book has helped many thousands of people to manage the impact that childhood sexual abuse has had on their lives. The positive and optimistic approach continues to empower survivors to break free from the past. Now with signficantly updated resource and further help sections, this latest edition by clinical psychologist Kay Toon acknowledges the types of abuse that have come to light more recently, such as street exploitation, and abuse by celebrities, politicians and football coaches, as well as the use of digital technology to groom children and young people. Breaking Free is regularly recommended by counsellors, by media agony aunts and psychotherapists. A Department of Health project provided copies of Breaking Free and the Breaking Free Workbook to NHS Mental Health Provider Trusts. It is ideal both for those seeking therapeutic support and for those providing such support. 'The voice of the cowed, betrayed and helpless sexually abused child speaks powerfully throughout this book.' British Journal of Psychiatry 'The way the book instils hope is inspiring' Journal of Social Work Practice

Current statistics show that between one-fifth and one-third of all adults were sexually abused in some way before turning 18. Yet little has been written to help the adult survivor. In this book, Tower relates actual stories, examining the feelings and fears that are common to survivors.