The trauma myth : the truth about the sexual abuse of children--and its aftermath / Susan A. Clancy.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Clancy, Susan A.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Child sexual abuse.

Sexually abused children.

Physical Description:

xv, 236 pages ; 22 cm

Place of Publication:

New York : Basic Books, [2009]

Summary:

Sexual abuse of a child is horrifying for an adult to contemplate. But according to Susan Clancy-an expert in experimental psychopathology-the severity of our reactions can interfere with a victim's recovery. Drawing on the latest research on memory and traumatic experience, Clancy demonstrates that children do not understand sex in the same ways that adults do. They describe abuse memories and molestation encounters in ways that don't fit the conventional trauma model. The most common feeling reported is not fear or panic, but confusion.

Calling for an honest look at abuse and its aftermath, Clancy argues that the reactions of society and the healing professions-however well-meaning-in fact shackle the victims of abuse in chains of guilt, secrecy, and shame. Path-breaking and controversial, The Trauma Myth radically reshapes our understanding of sexual abuse and its consequences. Book jacket.

Contents:

What was it like when it happened?

The truth about sexual abuse

The politics of sexual abuse

Why the trauma myth damages victims

How the trauma myth silences victims.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9780465016884

046501688X

OCLC:

276339689