How Long Does It Hurt?: A Guide to Recovering from Incest and Sexual Abuse for Teenagers, Their Friends, and Their Families

How Long Does It Hurt? written by an incest survivor for future survivors, is a step-by-step guide that speaks directly to sexually abused teenagers about coming to grips with what is happening to them and overcoming the isolation, confusion, and self-doubt they feel. With straight-forward language and hands-on information, this book provides a variety of real options for escaping abusive situations, taking control of their lives, and beginning the healing process. Based on actual case studies and person-to-person interviews with adolescent survivors, the authors address with candor and warmth the tough and most fundamental questions and issues that abused teens face, includingwhat is sexual abuse and incest, and am I a victim?who do I tell, and what will happen to me and my familywhat happens in court and how do I get what is best for me?how do I stand up to friends, family members, and others who tell me I'm making it all up?will I ever recover and have a happy, normal life? This groundbreaking book sends a message of support, strength, and empowerment to the thousands of forgotten and suffering adolescents with a resounding "Yes, you can make it stop. This is how." Through compelling, true stories, three teenaged survivors share their nightmarish experiences, their triumphs, and ongoing struggles to heal and live whole lives— and they offer encouragement and hope to other young victims who dare to make it stop.