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Because I Love You: The Silent Shadow of Child Sexual Abuse
Joyce Allan
This groundbreaking book investigates the beliefs and values which underlie silence-keeping about child sexual abuse not only by survivors, but also by their friends, family and community. This compelling memoir, rich in visual warmth, and informed by the expertise of a child activist, describes how silence creates the "ecology of child sexual abuse." Ultimately Because I Love You is for everyone who knows and cares about a survivor or perpetrator, and everyone who is concerned about the emotional, physical and spiritual safety of our children.
The book details how the author's life was nearly derailed by incestuous abuse by her father at an early age, (and) documents her personal struggle to find understanding and expertise in helping her overcome her complicated and extensive post-traumatic and dissociative reactions. With enormous determination, Allan conducts a detailed examination of her father's life and learns of his extensive history of pedophilia and its possible origins and motivations. And, finally, she examines the silence that so often accompanies abuse that is perpetrated by a family member, friend, or acquaintance, a silence often based on denial and loyalty that inadvertently allows abuse to continue undeterred. This is a compelling look at the inter-generational dynamics of sexual abuse and its tragic consequences, and the need for improved and more effective intervention. It is also a testament to human resilience and renewal.
Softcover, 9x11, 320 pp., 2002.