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A Mother's Nightmare - Incest
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A Mother's Nightmare - Incest
A Practical Legal Guide for Parents and Professionals


May 1997 | 264 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
Protecting children from child abuse using the legal system can be a complicated and sometimes devastating process for parents. Suspecting sexual abuse, a mother may seek a divorce and custody, orùif already divorcedùrequest withdrawal of visitation rights. However, when unable to prove abuse, she may be labeled "hysterical" and jeopardize her case. A MotherÆs NightmareùIncest assists professionals and parents in reducing the likelihood that the legal system will backfire. Easy to read and including step-by-step strategies for success, this manual answers myriad critical questions asked by parents who encounter the possibility of incest, such as: + What happens to a child who experiences abuse? + What do I do if the abuse cannot be established? + How do I find out what my legal options are? + What can I do to keep emotionally balanced? + What will happen in the court system? While alerting readers to the very real dangers that await those who accuse a spouse of child sexual abuse, author John E. B. Myers helps parents and professionals navigate the current court system to work toward attaining victoryùand safety. He provides supportive and practical suggestions for documenting evidence and seeking an expertÆs advice. Myers demystifies the subject of incest and explains the requirements of the court system so that mothers will enter the legal arena prepared. This book is not only for mothers. Health professionals, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, pastoral counselors, and any other professional working to protect children from abuse will want to read and refer to A MotherÆs NightmareùIncest. Likewise, the book is also ideal for academics and students to use in courses that cover child abuse issues.

 
One Mother's Nightmare
 
PART ONE: ESSENTIAL INFORMATION ABOUT CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
 
Defining Child Sexual Abuse and Other Forms of Child Maltreatment
 
What Does the Future Hold for a Child Who Has Been Sexually Abused?
 
Who Are the Men Who Sexually Abuse Children? Why Do They Do It? Can Molesters Be Cured?
 
PART TWO: A MOTHER'S ALLIES: THE LEGAL SYSTEM, A GOOD LAWYER, MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
 
Introduction to the US Legal System
Criminal Court, Family Court, Juvenile Court

 
 
Finding a Lawyer
 
Help from Mental Health Professionals
The Critically Important Psychosocial Assessment

 
 
PART THREE: DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM, FAMILY COURT, CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES AND JUVENILE COURT
 
The Criminal Justice System
 
Family Court
Divorce, Child Custody and Child Visitation

 
 
Child Protective Services Agency and Juvenile Court
 
PART FOUR: PROVING CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN COURT: OVERCOMING OBSTACLES AND PROTECTING YOUR CHILD
 
Obstacles to Proving Child Sexual Abuse in Court
 
Sorting Out Your Suspicions, Controlling Your Emotions
 
The Legal Importance of What Your Child Tells You and Others about the Abuse
 
Changes in Your Child's Behavior as Evidence of Sexual Abuse
 
PART FIVE: SUMMING IT ALL UP: PLAN FOR VICTORY, PREPARE FOR DEFEAT
 
Plan for Victory
 
Prepare for Defeat

Select a Purchasing Option


Hardcover
ISBN: 9780761910572
$179.00

Paperback
ISBN: 9780761910589
$129.00