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

How Long Does It Hurt? is the revised and updated edition of the best-selling book written by an incest survivor for future survivors. This step-by-step guide speaks directly to victims of sexual abuse?to help them come to grips with what is happening to them and overcome their feelings of isolation, confusion, and self-doubt.

Thank you xi

Foreword xiii

Preface to the First Edition xv

Preface to the Revised Edition xvii

Part One The Hurting Begins

1. Youre Not Alone 3

2. Is What Happened Really Abuse? 13

3. Internet Sex Crimes 23

Part Two Blowing the Whistle

4. Telling 41

5. What Will People Say? 59

6. Whats Happening to Me? 66

7. Living with Your Family After You Tell 78

8. Going to Court 101

Part Three Forward Motion

9. Healing Is a Choice 125

10. Respecting How You Survived 138

11. Making Way for Your Future 154

12. Forgiving: Will You or Wont You? 171

13. Sex: What It Is, What It Isnt 180

Part Four Things to Know

14. What You Should Know About Offenders 201

15. What Friends of Victims Should Know 218

16. What Some Survivors Would Like You to Know 234

Notes 249

Bibliography 251

Index 255

The Authors 267

THE AUTHORS

CYNTHIA L. MATHER is a survivor of sexual abuse and incest, and speaks at schools, colleges, and churches across the country about child and teenage sexual abuse treatment and prelØ