Just Before Dawn

Rating:
Summary: Corrects a lot of misconceptions
Review: Based on good research and many years of experience in treating victims of sexual abuse, this book punches holes in many of the myths surrounding sexual abuse. For instance, there are many common and erroneous ideas about why some people who are sexually abused are more damaged by it than others. Hindman explains what the real factors are in the degree of trauma a victim suffers, and what therapists and other collaterals can do to minimize this trauma.
There is the myth that people who have been sexually abused are likely to be abusive themselves. Hindman's research shows that people who have been sexually abused are not much more likely to abuse their own children than are the general population.
There is great material for people working with the family system. It explains why so many women who were sexually abused as children end up with their own children being abused.
There are many horrifying stories of how perpetrators keep their abuse secret for many years and abuse child after child. This information will be useful to social workers in child protection services.
I would be very careful about recommending this book to clients, as many of the case studies are upsetting. For therapists, it is a must read.
The style of Hindman's writing is a bit unusual, but easy to read for the most part. My only real complaint with the book is that is has no index.

Rating:
Summary: Corrects a lot of misconceptions
Review: Based on good research and many years of experience in treating victims of sexual abuse, this book punches holes in many of the myths surrounding sexual abuse. For instance, there are many common and erroneous ideas about why some people who are sexually abused are more damaged by it than others. Hindman explains what the real factors are in the degree of trauma a victim suffers, and what therapists and other collaterals can do to minimize this trauma.
There is the myth that people who have been sexually abused are likely to be abusive themselves. Hindman's research shows that people who have been sexually abused are not much more likely to abuse their own children than are the general population.
There is great material for people working with the family system. It explains why so many women who were sexually abused as children end up with their own children being abused.
There are many horrifying stories of how perpetrators keep their abuse secret for many years and abuse child after child. This information will be useful to social workers in child protection services.
I would be very careful about recommending this book to clients, as many of the case studies are upsetting. For therapists, it is a must read.
The style of Hindman's writing is a bit unusual, but easy to read for the most part. My only real complaint with the book is that is has no index.

Rating:
Summary: Just Before Dawn
Review: My daughter was sexually abused from the ages of three to five years old. This book was recommended by her therapist--who it is obviously written for. I felt it was written on a technical level, and not a personal level. It may be appropriate for some. However, if you are looking for help on how to cope with this horrible situation, or to at least hear from someone who has been there...this book doesn't give any comfort. It seems to be targeted for therapist, not those that are trying to deal with a horrible situation and are deperate for help.

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely necessary for working with sexual abuse victims.
Review: This is a must read book for therapists & other practioners working with victims and perpetrators of sexual assault. The information methodically addresses how victims are traumatized and how perpetrators can work toward restitution for victims. Hindman presents a historical review of sexual assualt treatment and the system's response to victims, the effects upon victims and their families, and current findings for victim counseling.