Real Rape, Real Pain: Help for women sexually assaulted by male partners

by Patricia Easteal, L. McOrmond-Plummer, Louise McOrmond-Plummer

Real Rape, Real Pain is a book may make you feel uncomfortable, in that it tackles the violence and unpleasantness of rape within marriage; it forces us to confront the hidden violence in our society. It challenges the silence and secrecy about marital rape. As the authors say, "Violence is about using power and control, not about being out of control. There is no excuse for marital violence ever." The aims of the book are changing the rape culture and helping survivors. Chapters cover identifying rape in marriage, women at risk, staying with a partner who has raped you, sexuality after partner rape, a safety plan, and numerous other issues related to partner rape. As American author Monika Ostroff says, "Real Rape, Real Pain is the compassionate, loving friend that reaches into the darkness to the sufferer of partner rape, offering hope and help for a healthy life, free from violence. A wise teacher, this book will inform everyone from professionals working in the field to family members of women being victimized to politicians who are empowered to make the necessary changes to ensure safety on all our behalves. This book is a beacon of light that illuminates a dark, misunderstood yet incredibly common phenomenon of violence. It is a must-read for every survivor, family member, clinician, and politician!"

Genres: Nonfiction, Mental Health

364 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very important book for those that have been assaulted by partners. It has helped me immensely just in the short time I have had it. It is a hard subject and may set some survivors back, but it is must read for when they are healed enough to be able to read.

[Aliyah Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

They wrote this book with such love and care. A must-read for victims and their supports alike

[Alaskanmama · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who has been sexually assaulted in any way, but especially by a partner, this book is an amazing gift. It has testimony from over 30 different women, including the authors, that detail out every part of the abuse and healing process.

Because I cannot relate to this experience I found the first two chapters difficult to get through, due the way the book speaks to the reader. I wanted to correct the authors and tell them to stop saying "you" because this book isn't for me. I had a shift in perspective after that, and the tone seems to change subtly as well.

If you are a victim or you know someone who may have experienced sexual violence by a partner at any time in their lives, and to any degree, this is an amazing book.