It is some time since I last visited here, but that doesn't mean I haven't been busy. I am just finishing the revised and updated editions of my very first publications from 1984, 1988 and 1989. The books formed a series of 3 books on the subject of abuse ... starting with my own experience as a battered wife, moving on to an advice book for those with abuse in the home, and ending with a book I was commissioned to write by Thorsons (now HarperCollins) in understanding child sexual abuse.
The issue of abuse is prevalent and very topical, especially now with the ongoing investigation of Jimmy Saville and his alleged abuse of young girls stretching back through time, together with other high profile celebrities who seem to have used their positions of power as a means of control.
Shame on them!
Listening to victims share their experiences, knowing these controllers are slowly being caught, coming to justice, perhaps serving time, coming to the public eye for a very different reason to how they began, still doesn't protect others, nor does it help us understand the how and why offenders commit child sexual abuse. I am hoping that by sharing my knowledge as Founder/Director of LIFELINE for almost ten years, working with families in abuse, including victim/survivors and perpetrator in and out of prison; as well as my role as an Abuse Consultant, leading teaching workshops with charities and professionals, my books will help and support victim survivors move on, adopt coping strategies for the future, and aid the furtherment of child protection programmes.
These books are published through FeedARead.com.
Each book represents a very different aspect of abuse ... its invasive power and control of people's lives ... sharing lessons to be learned through personal experience.
Much of what these books say is shocking. I make no apology for this. It is a necessary part of learning what child sexual abuse particularly is about, and living in the aftermath as a survivor. The books also dig deep into the lives of perpetrators and their fantasies and the need to understand that they have an addiction. They cannot stop what they are doing. There are those few who are evil to the core. But the majority know the experience of having been violated and abused when young. And push that learning onto others usually at the same age when their own began.
These books answer the question: Why me? What is control? How does it continue long after the perpetrator is gone? Why do we keep it secret? What causes abuse to create a mindset and affect us for the rest of our lives? Very necessary and vital questions in learning about the subject as a whole.