Childhood : It Should Not Hurt!

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.

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!