ChildHood: It Should Not Hurt - Softcover

Reeves, Claire R.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0974304808 ISBN 13: 9780974304809

Publisher: LTI Publishing, 2003

Synopsis

The book covers the disturbing issues of incest and child sexual abuse, the greatest hidden epidemic in America. Readers will get information on recognizing the signs and symptoms and what to do if you learn your child has been sexually abused. Understanding the quagmire of the judicial system is covered with solid step-by-step advice. The book explains the difference in family, juvenile and criminal courts; social service agencies, and the guardian-ad-litem, and it prepares families that may find themselves in this complicated and often confusing arena. The sections about child molesters arms parents with knowledge to protect their children. The book offers advice for adult survivors of sexual abuse to help them reclaim their lives and move forward is valuable information. This book is a tremendous resource for parents, legal and psychological professionals, and all adults who are concerned about the health and safety of our children.

About this title

About the Author

Claire R. Reeves is a nationally recognized expert in incest and child sexual abuse. Reeves has testified as an expert witness in both civil and criminal court cases. In 1992 Reeves founded MOTHERS AGAINST SEXUAL ABUSE (MASA), a national non-profit organization dedicated to protecting children against sexual abuse. As she spearheaded MASA Reeves also set up programs to assist non-offending parents and guardians of children who had been sexually abused. These parents had no idea how to maneuver through the quagmire of the family and juvenile courts. Reeves was there with emotional support, knowledge and compassion to the families who were so devastated.

Claire Reeves has appeared as a guest on numerous television and radio shows. The organization has been profiled in newspapers and magazines across the country. Reeves has been a sought after speaker for conferences nationwide and she has lectured at many universities, hospitals, social service organizations and other organizations dedicated to preventing child sexual abuse.

Claire Reeves has received many honors for her important work. Reeves was honored by the mayor of Los Angeles for her work with children. The California Assembly and Senate have both bestowed honors on Reeves. The county of Los Angeles awarded Reeves for her dedicated service to the people of Los Angeles. Governor Pete Wilson honored Reeves with a special tribute in 1996. In 1997 Reeves was honored as a Woman of the Year for Los Angeles County.

Many new laws to support victims were designed and supported in the state of California. One of the most important was to eliminate the statute of limitations for criminal prosecution in cases of incest and child sexual abuse. Reeves, through MASA, worked tirelessly to allow redress for victims in the courts in California. Reeves worked closely with then Governor Pete Wilson for the chemical castration law to be passed. Reeves also worked closely with Attorney General Dan Lungren to pass legislation for a 900 hundred telephone number that would identify registered sex offenders in the state of California.While Claire Reeves is deeply grateful for the honors that she has received, her passion is for the child victims and adult survivors of sexual abuse. Reeves would like to see national educational and prevention programs. Training needs to be provided for those who decide the fate of abused children. Education is an enormous part of the answer and that is the goal of CHILDHOOD, IT SHOULD NOT HURT!

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

chpt 1 A SOCIETAL ISSUE

In our society, as in many cultures, "family" has always been considered sacrosanct whatever happens in the family is private. However, when dysfunctional family members spill over into an innocent society and cause harm, it seems to me it is everyone s affair.

We live in a country where almost anyone can earn a living and lifestyles are the highest in the world, yet crime rates are soaring and our jails are full, to overflowing. Where are all these criminals coming from?

We have all heard the "Abuse Excuse": he robbed the liquor store because his mother used to beat him; she murdered her kids because her father raped her when she was five. This defense is used so routinely that it has become standard fodder for media talking heads, who jeer and vilify it. Nevertheless, studies bear it out: over 90% of all inmates in this country were abused children. They are what I call "non-survivors." They never learned how to overcome the dysfunction of their childhood and reclaim their lives.

Many people over the years have asked me how I can work with such an issue as child sexual abuse it is so depressing and upsetting. My answer has always been, "If it is depressing and upsetting for me as an adult, what must it be for the little child who is experiencing the abuse?" But the truth goes much deeper than that.

Edition details

• Publisher: LTI Publishing
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0974304808
• ISBN 13: 9780974304809
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 168