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supporting survivors of rape and sexual abuse

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Book resources

survivors stories
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Other resources

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Survivors & Sexuality Book Reviews

 

 

 

Carolyn Ainscough and Kay Toon

Breaking Free:

Help for Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse

This is a brilliant, easy to read, self help book that I personally found invaluable both as a survivor and as a therapist. There is a really good chapter on Sex and Sexuality that may prove helpful; including a survivor's story, Sexual Problems, Avoiding Physical Contact and Relationships, Indescriminate Sex, Avoiding or Disliking Sex,Turn Offs, Turn Ons, Flashbacks, Sexual Orientation, Lack of Sexual Knowledge, Preoccupation With Sex, Prostitution, Overcoming The Problems, Physical and Emotional Health, Relationships, No Partner, exercises, Myths and Messages, exercises: Messages About Sex, Examples, Learning About Your Body and Sex, Learning to Communicate, Follow Your Feelings, Exercises, Learning to Relax, Touching Yourself, exercises, Giving and Receiving Touches, exercises, Dealing With Flashbacks, Summary and Suggestions "You may find yourself becoming less negative about sex as you work through this book and begin to feel less guilt and ashamed about what has happened. Try to keep in mind that it isn't sex that's painful and frightening but being abused. Your body was assaulted and your feelings were disregarded. Sexual feelings can be pleasurable, and sexual experiences alone, or with a partner, can be loving and enjoyable." p 171

 

 

Sallie Foley, Sally A. Kope, and Dennis P. Sugrue

Sex Matters for Women

A Complete Guide to Taking Care of Your Sexual Self

Women today are more knowledgeable about sex than ever before – but many still struggle with sexual myths, self-doubt, and "embarrassing" questions. This trusted book has already helped many thousands of women understand how their bodies work and take charge of their sexuality. The authors are experienced therapists who present solid, science-based information on the topics women are talking about and those that aren't discussed enough – from how to have more satisfying sex to questions about hormones, anatomy, relationships, body image, and trauma. Empowering exercises foster self-discovery and self-confidence.

Fully updated, and with a greater focus on positive psychology and resilience, the second edition features expanded discussions of: sexual response, male sexuality, sexually transmitted infections, and lesbian sexuality.

 

 

 

 

Angela Phillips and Jill Rakusen

Our Bodies, Ourselves

This is a women's handbook with chapters on women's anatomy and sexuality. A British edition of the original by the Boston Women's Health Collective.

 

 

 

Ann Dickson

The Mirror Within: A New Look at Sexuality

A very readable book on assertiveness and sexuality

 

Michael Castleman

Making Love

A book for men on making love but very interesting and informative for women to read.

 

 

 

Marie H. Browne

If The Man You Love Was Abused: A Couple's Guide to Healing

The scars left on the hearts and souls of childhood abuse survivors run deep; they require time, patience, and support to heal. As your man faces his past, he will have no better support than you, his loving and devoted partner. But where are you to turn for hope and guidance in this difficult time? Written with both of your needs in mind and informed by case studies from real patients in her practice, psychologist Dr. Marie Browne combines practical applications with authoritative research to offer you the ultimate guide for getting through this difficult situation. You'll learn how to help him get the support he needs, and make sure not to neglect your needs in the process.

 

Ian McEwan

On Chesil Beach

No-one ever says that the heroine of this book is a survivor, but I think many survivors will recognise and identify with her. Page 50 gives us a clue. A very powerful book, a novella, really about a happy couple for whom everything is fine - until their wedding night. My supervisor recommended this to me as compulsory reading for survivors and their partners experiencing problems in sexual relations together. I also recommend it!

 

 

 

Carolyn Ainscough and Kay Toon

New Shoes:

an empowering guide to recovering from the damage of childhood sexual abuse and living with confidence.

New Shoes offers easy to read, friendly and achievable advice to help readers find the strength to come to terms with what happened to them in the past, break negative behaviour patterns in the present and to make their dreams a reality. It is written in a chatty, accessible style by Rebecca Mitchell, a Survivor and Counsellor who set up an organization to help other survivors (www.intothelight.org.uk) and blends a range of personal experiences of recovery with professional insight and practical steps for change.

 

Wilma Davidson

Tears and Fears

Tears and Fears offers the reader in many countries information on a range of subjects related to sex abuse. Whether the reader is a victim of sexual abuse, a date rape, an anxious parent concerned about chat room paedophiles or sexting, there are chapters on all of these subjects. This well researched book includes chapters on sexually transmitted diseases, depression, guilt, self harm, suicide and post traumatic stress, where the victim will find advice and reassurance. Tears and Fears includes an extensive list of helplines and contact details for charities and organisations who offer support in several languages.


 

 

 

Staci Haines

Healing Sex:

A Mind-Body Approach to Healing Sexual Trauma

Staci Haines handles the difficult subject of the practical implications of sexual abuse on adults' sex lives, and how to healthily move on from it in a sensitive, open minded and very positive manner. The book features many quotes from survivors on different issues and viewpoints, sometimes contrasting to each other, and relating some of your own thoughts and feelings to another survivors', not just the author's, is very powerful indeed, especially for those who do not go to a group therapy. The feeling of being "all alone" or "the only one in the world who thinks that / reacts like this" is just blown away, as the author shines a light on the hidden negative messages and attitudes within us, and makes them more manageable. This is a workbook, and contains a lot of practical exercises, as well as a wealth of resources. Imagery is humorous and the tone is light and friendly, yet very sensitive and inclusive. This book asserts the need for all adults to be able to express themselves sexually, for their own health, and this option not to be taken away from survivors as "something to come back to when the healing is done", but actually something to actively involve in the healing process, in the connection between body and soul and everything between. It is also for partners of survivors, the book containing a section for them too.

 

 

 

 

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