How Long Does It Hurt?

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 abuse¾to 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. You’re 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. What’s 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 Won’t You? 171 13. Sex: What It Is, What It Isn’t 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