How Long Does It Hurt: A Guide to Recovering from Incest and Sexual Abuse for Teenagers, Their Friends, and Their Families

Author: Cynthia L. Mather and Judy Wood

Type or emotional/crisis issue addressed: abuse / neglect

Year of Publication: 2004

Publisher and Location: Jossey-Bass
# ISBN-10: 0787975699
# ISBN-13: 978-0787975692
Target Age Level: 13-18
# of Pages: 288
Quality of Illustrations: no ilustrations
Brief Summary:
"The many aspects and complexities of incest and sexual abuse are well covered in this book. Notwithstanding the comprehensive presentation of factual information, its strength lies in its emphasis on empowerment and healing. How Long Does It Hurt? fully achieves its claim as a guide to recovering from incest and sexual abuse for teenagers, their friends, and their families and will likely fulfill the author's wish that teens will learn that they are not alone and can successfully continue on from the pain."
Personal Comments/Biases, and/or Things to Consider When Using This Book With Children:
Addresses an exhaustive range of issues pertinent to sexual abuse survivors and does so in a manner that is dynamic, engaging, and straightforward."
The most helpful aspects of the book are the case examples and testimonials of victims. Especially useful are the personalized descriptions of possible reactions in self or from others and the accompanying message to have the strength and courage to find a way to recover despite the obstacles.
Activity: highlight passages and discuss in small groups.
Posted by Fátima Vera