CHILDHOOD IT SHOULD NOT HURT!
The book covers the disturbing
issues of incest and child sexual abuse, the greatest hidden epidemic in
America. Readers will get information on recognizing the signs and symptoms
and what to do if you learn your child has been sexually abused.
Understanding the quagmire of the judicial system is covered with solid
step-by-step advice. The book explains the difference in family, juvenile
and criminal courts; social service agencies, and the guardian-ad-litem, and
it prepares families that may find themselves in this complicated and often
confusing arena. The sections about child molesters arms parents with
knowledge to protect their children. The book offers advice for adult
survivors of sexual abuse to help them reclaim their lives and move forward
is valuable information. This book is a tremendous resource for parents,
legal and psychological professionals, and all adults who are concerned
about the health and safety of our children. Read excerpts from Claire's
book.
A message from Dr. Donna Friess:
Childhood Should Not Hurt is a true gift for those of us marked forever by
the devastating stain of childhood sexual abuse. This book focuses on a dark
and ugly secret which the world still refuses to face, that is the frequency
of child sexual abuse. Studies show that incest alone affects 100,000
children each year. Even though the Equal Rights Movement of the 1980's
brought attention to human rights issues including child abuse, the American
legal system through its Family Reunification Mandate (1985) continues to
victimize our most precious and silent citizens, our children. Claire
Reeves, founder of Mothers Against Sexual Abuse, has packed her well-written
book with facts and case studies. It is a must read as it boldly confronts
the American court's failure to protect our children from abuse. It teaches
how to recognize signs and symptoms of abuse and how to find help. Thanks to
Claire Reeves for helping to bring hope to survivors of sexual abuse.
- Donna L. Friess, Ph.D., Cry the Darkness: One Woman's Triumph Over the
Tragedy of Incest (H.C.I., 1993)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Claire R. Reeves is a nationally recognized expert in incest and child
sexual abuse. Reeves has testified as an expert witness in both civil and
criminal court cases. In 1992 Reeves founded MOTHERS AGAINST SEXUAL ABUSE (MASA),
a national non-profit organization dedicated to protecting children against
sexual abuse. As she spearheaded MASA Reeves also set up programs to assist
non-offending parents and guardians of children who had been sexually
abused. These parents had no idea how to maneuver through the quagmire of
the family and juvenile courts. Reeves was there with emotional support,
knowledge and compassion to the families who were so devastated.
Claire Reeves has appeared as a guest on numerous television and radio
shows. The organization has been profiled in newspapers and magazines across
the country. Reeves has been a sought after speaker for conferences
nationwide and she has lectured at many universities, hospitals, social
service organizations and other organizations dedicated to preventing child
sexual abuse.
Claire Reeves has received many honors for her important work. Reeves was
honored by the mayor of Los Angeles for her work with children. The
California Assembly and Senate have both bestowed honors on Reeves. The
county of Los Angeles awarded Reeves for her dedicated service to the people
of Los Angeles. Governor Pete Wilson honored Reeves with a special tribute
in 1996. In 1997 Reeves was honored as a Woman of the Year for Los Angeles
County.
Many new
laws to support victims were designed and supported in the state of
California. One of the most important was to eliminate the statute of
limitations for criminal prosecution in cases of incest and child sexual
abuse. Reeves, through MASA, worked tirelessly to allow redress for victims
in the courts in California. Reeves worked closely with then Governor Pete
Wilson for the chemical castration law to be passed. Reeves also worked
closely with Attorney General Dan Lungren to pass legislation for a 900
hundred telephone number that would identify registered sex offenders in the
state of California. While Claire Reeves is deeply grateful for the honors
that she has received, her passion is for the child victims and adult
survivors of sexual abuse. Reeves would like to see national educational and
prevention programs. Training needs to be provided for those who decide the
fate of abused children. Education is an enormous part of the answer and
that is the goal of CHILDHOOD, IT SHOULD NOT HURT!
Childhood
