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. This comprehensive handbook offers emotional support and practical guidance in overcoming the trauma of rape. It explains what to expect at the police station, at the hospital, and, if necessary, in court, and it helps readers learn the most effective ways of dealing with their feelings immediately following an assault, during the subsequent few months, and beyond. The experiences of survivors recounted throughout the 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.