Sexual abuse is devastating, hurting those who have been abused and also those who love and care for them. Its effects are both immediate and long term and recovery and healing can take years.
This book, written by a priest and psychotherapist, explains what sexual abuse is, outlines immediate and longterm consequences, offers guidelines for handling disclosure, suggests practical forms of pastoral care, and points to available resources.
Dr Michael Paterson is a priest, psychotherapist and spiritual director who has worked with abuse survivors for over twenty years. He is the Director of the Institute of Pastoral Supervision and Reflective Practice and non-executive director of a residential therapeutic community for looked-after children.
