The traumatic affects of childhood sexual abuse can remain and recur throughout life for women who have not healed emotionally. This book by a family therapist shares stories from 18 women abused as children, explaining that healing can occur at any stage of life, and that healing, itself, occurs in stages. The author offers guidance to recognize the long-lingering potential affects of childhood sexual abuse including depression, anxiety, dissociation, and chronic shock, and she explains steps to take for recovery. Also presented are letters from women who have healed or are in recovery.

Sexual abuse by men, juveniles, and female perpetrators is discussed, as is how children may act out the abusive behavior taught by perpetrators. The incidence of abuse by family members is also addressed. Duncan explains the dual dilemma-moral and legal-that women face in exposing a sexual perpetrator within the family when not protected by the legal system due to statutes of limitations. She also discusses controversial topics including false memory and disclosure of memory to the perpetrator.

KAREN A. DUNCAN has 22 years clinical experience working with women, children, and families in their recovery from sexual abuse. She has presented at conferences throughout the United States in the education regarding and prevention of sexual abuse. She is the author of a comprehensive adult education program entitled The Right to Be Safe: Adult Education to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse that is offered free of charge on the Web site www.theright2besafe.org. Duncan has served as Adjunct Professor teaching General Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Introduction to Women Studies. She received the 2005 Social Worker of the Year Award for Region 7 from the National Association of Social Workers, Indiana Chapter. Ms. Duncan can be reached through her Web site at www.healing4women.com.