My Child Was Sexually Abused
Ranked #347 in Relationships & Family, #48,194 overall
Books for Children Who Were Sexually Abused
Once a child comes forward about abuse it's also important they receive professional help. The trauma of sexual abuse will be carried with them for a life time. Distrust of adults, fears, addictions, and self-harming behaviors are just a few of the problems that an abused child may have to face. Providing encouragement, love, and support for a child who has been sexually abused enables them to rediscover their trust and self-worth, which has been broken.
I am survivor of childhood sexual abuse and I also teach sexual abuse prevention. I kept my secret that I was sexually abused for over 40 years. I am an example of how hard it is to speak of being sexually abused. I could barely do it when I was a 50 year old adult, so you can imagine how hard it is for a child to speak of it. Telling my story, even as a mature adult, was the most difficult thing I've ever done in my life.If you are interested in learning more about my story of sexual abuse, and the video I produced about my journey visit My Name is Sandra, I'm a Survivor.
Photo: © Krzysztof Korolonek | Dreamstime.com
Contents at a Glance
How to Help a Child Who Has Been Sexually Abused
Believe Them and Listen
It is critical that a child coming forward be listened to and believed. If they aren't it's pretty much guaranteed they will continue to keep silent. Let them talk, and talk, and talk. They'll need to tell their story over and over again. They'll need to work up to the difficult parts and see that you accept what they are saying. They need to establish safety with you, to know that you are supportive, and they are not to blame for anything that happened to them.For an adult, sexual abuse is a difficult topic. Most adults have an embarrassment around talking about sex, never mind a discussion about sexual abuse. It's important for the child not to see your discomfort or uneasiness. Their story will no doubt shock you.
What to Say to a Child Who Was Sexually Abused
- 1I believe you.
- 2It wasn't your fault.
- 3You didn't do anything wrong.
Seek the Help of a Professional
Books To Help a Sexually Abused Child
They Need to Know They Are Not Alone
For Children Ages 3 and Up
Something Happened and I'm Scared to Tell: A Book for Young Victims of Abuse
Amazon Price: $3.72 (as of 05/30/2012)
With the help of a friendly lion, a young sexual abuse victim is able to talk about sexual abuse and recover self-esteem. Gentle and positive approach to reassure children.
For Children Ages 4 and Up
Please Tell: A Child's Story About Sexual Abuse (Early Steps)
Amazon Price: $5.64 (as of 05/30/2012)
Written and illustrated by a young girl who was sexually molested by a family member, this book reaches out to other children in a way that no adult can. Jessie's words carry the message, "It's o.k. to tell; help can come when you tell." Jessie's story adds a sense of hope for what should be, and the knowledge that the child protection system can work for children. Simple, direct, and from the heart, Jessie gives children the permission and the courage to deal with sexual abuse.
For Boys Ages 4 and Up
Will the Courageous: A Story about Sexual Abuse
Amazon Price: $11.47 (as of 05/30/2012)
Will is a typical six-year-old boy: he loves to tell "knock-knock jokes", collect bugs, and play with other kids. Recently, Nana's cousin Perry has come to visit and suddenly Will no longer wants to go there. He starts having nightmares, acting out in school and wetting his bed.
For Girls Ages 7 - 12
Sarah's Waterfall: A Healing Story about Sexual Abuse
Amazon Price: $11.95 (as of 05/30/2012)
Written for girls, Sarah's Waterfall tells the story of Sarah's year of healing, in her own words. The story unfolds with journal entries beginning with the start of the school year at a new school, as Sarah joins a girls survivors group led by the school psychologist.
For Children Ages 8 and Up
Annabelle's Secret: A Story about Sexual Abuse
Amazon Price: $8.28 (as of 05/30/2012)
Annabelle has a secret. When she was seven years old, she was approached by a neighborhood boy and invited into a "secret club". Unfortunately, this club was just a ruse for thirteen-year-old Joel to groom Annabelle for abuse. A few years later, when Annabelle turns eleven, she finds some bad feelings have returned for her.
For Teens
How Long Does It Hurt: A Guide to Recovering from Incest and Sexual Abuse for Teenagers, Their Friends, and Their Families
Amazon Price: $10.49 (as of 05/30/2012)
Written by a survivor this step-by-step guide speaks directly to victims of sexual abuse and helps them come to grips with their feelings of isolation, confusion, and self-doubt.
Strong at the Heart: How It Feels to Heal from Sexual Abuse
Amazon Price: $37.67 (as of 05/30/2012)
Eleven personal stories by young men and women who experienced rape, molestation, or incest and found healing through speaking out about their abuse.
It Happened to Me: A Teen's Guide to Overcoming Sexual Abuse (workbook)
Amazon Price: $14.82 (as of 05/30/2012)
Simple exercises help teens learn about the different aspects of trauma and share their thoughts and emotions.
In Their Own Words: A Sexual Abuse Workbook for Teenage Girls
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 05/30/2012)
A workbook specifically written for girls to work through the trauma and find their path to healing.
The Me Nobody Knows: A Guide for Teen Survivors
Amazon Price: $11.02 (as of 05/30/2012)
Through written, visual, and relaxation exercises, the book shows teen survivors how to begin to cope.
If Your Child Hasn't Been Sexually Abused
Teach Them about Improper Touching
The Statistics On Child Abuse Are Alarming
1 in 3 girls, and 1 in 6 boys
will be sexually abused
before the age of 18.
Resources on the Internet
- Questions and Answers about Child Sexual Abuse
- Answers to some commonly asked questions about child sexual abuse.
- Programs | Childhelp
- A great resource for agencies across the US that help children.
- Parenting a Child Who Has Been Sexually Abused: A Guide for Foster and Adoptive Parents
- Though this guide is made for foster and adoptive parents, it's a great resource for parents as well.
- Parenting a sexually abused child
- This is a wonderful site made by parents who have been through the experience of supporting a sexually abused child.
Visit My Other Pages About Sexual Abuse
Sexual Abuse in the News
Sadly, It Happens Often
- Attorneys want some Sandusky sex-abuse charges dropped
- BELLEFONTE, Pennsylvania (Reuters) - Attorneys for former Penn State football coach Jerry Sandusky, charged with sexually abusing 10 boys, urged a judge on Wednesday to toss out the charges for three of the alleged victims.
- Report: Staff abused dozens
- Lori Presley said was sexually assaulted while incerated at the Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women from 2006 to 2007. She said she witnessed women being physically and sexually abused by correctional staff at the prison. Presley, who never reported the ...
- Damage award to sexually abuse youth upheld
- (AP) ? The state Court of Appeals has upheld an award of $500000 to a teenager who was sexually abused by workers at facilities operated by the Mississippi Department of Human Services in Starkville and Ackerman. In 2007, the Appeals Court upheld a ...
- Teen's parents sue ex-coach, claim sexual abuse
- AP HOUMA ? A former Ellender Memorial High football coach is being sued by the parents of a girl who claim he sexually abused her. Timothy Betts was arrested on the high school campus after the allegations arose in June. At the time, he was Ellender ...
What are you doing to protect children from sexual abuse?
Or just leave a note to say you stopped by
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mobileboutique
Feb 29, 2012 @ 1:09 pm | delete
- Fighting for them, protecting them, listening to them, loving them unconditionally and getting them all the help I can :) Thank you for writing. There needs to be more awareness of this!
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darciefrench
Feb 21, 2012 @ 3:45 am | delete
- As an inner child, I will always be in recovery of the sexualization that happened when I was very young. It framed my reactions to life for many years, until it came to the surface for release. I am so appreciative of folks like yourself who speak up and help others as they heal, because the other side of release of trauma is a peaceful heart. You raise the sea. Thank-you.
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sherridan
Feb 15, 2012 @ 11:59 am | delete
- What shocking statistics! I had not realised it was that prevalent.
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CTsHeart
Feb 10, 2012 @ 8:54 pm | delete
- A very difficult subject and it hits home. Thank you for having the courage to share your insights and experiences so that those of us who have suffered my find some peace.
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sherioz
Feb 10, 2012 @ 12:32 pm | delete
- You have some good resources here. I use some of the books you recommend in work with parents and kids.
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by survivorsrock
I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and an advocate for prevention. I teach sexual abuse prevention to childcare agencies, parents, and professi... more »
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