Recovering From Rape: Practical Advice on Overcoming the Trauma and Coping with Police, Hospitals, and the Courts - for the Survivors of Sexual Assault and their Families, Lovers and Friends

by Linda E. Ledray

From clinical psychologist Linda E. Ledray, Recovering from Rape is a comprehensive handbook offering emotional support and practical guidance to survivors and their loved ones in coping and overcoming the trauma of rape.

If you have been sexually assaulted, you are probably experiencing a mix of fear, anger, and depression. If you are a relative, friend, or lover of someone who has been assaulted, you too may be deeply affected by the incident and by the survivor’s reaction to it. However, working together, survivors and their loved ones can recover and may even be able to turn the recovery into an opportunity for positive change and growth.

The experiences of survivors recounted throughout this book reassure readers that others have pulled through. Dr. Ledray helps survivors realize that no matter what they did―wore a low-cut blouse, accepted a ride from a stranger, invited an acquaintance home―they did not deserve to be raped. She guides them from guilt or disbelief through bitterness and despair to the decision to take back control of their lives.

In addition, this comprehensive handbook explains what to expect at the police station, at the hospital, and, if necessary, in court. It covers such health issues as incest, STD treatments, and post-traumatic stress disorder, and legal information on prosecution and bail, DNA testing, and rape law.

An essential resource, Recovering from Rape helps readers learn the most effective ways of dealing with their feelings immediately following an assault, during the subsequent few months, and beyond.

Genres: Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published July 28, 1989

Reviews

[Azeldri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read for professionals, survivors or friends/family of a survivor. This book discuss the aftermath of rape, rape kit exams as well as the court procedures. This book will help survivors to emotionally prepare for the daunting court procedures.

However, case studies are described in-depth, which can lead to vicarious trauma or traumatize the survivor even more.

[Kathryn Leamon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why in the process of recovering from rape is it necessary to read details about the rapes of countless strangers? These stories still haunt me years later and I couldn't even finish the book.

[Laura Finnigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like the Grapes of Wrath, nobody should really have to read this book, but unfortunately, the United States is far from Utopia (or tribal cultures who honor women and don't place such a high value on dominance). In any case, very helpful if you've ever been in the situation 25% of women have been, if you have a friend who has been assaulted, or a loved one. Although I think this should be on the summer reading list for upcoming college freshman, so they'll never put anyone through it.

[Fishface · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good basic handbook on the tasks of recovery from rape. Good for treating professionals as well as survivors and their family and friends. The main gap in this book is that it neglects the specific issues faced by male rape survivors.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

reading this for my job. Very good book for anyone that has been raped or assaulted. Also good for family members of victims to read.