family and childhood

I was deeply moved by this book and its authentic and sensitive treatment of a subject seldom spoken about. What gets into headlines is shamefully limited in understanding of the scope of the problem, and only with understanding will victims and perpetrators alike find the courage to seek help. And, the understanding needs to come from all, not just those directly affected, because our lives are all intertwined. What hurts one of us hurts all of us.

We must educate ourselves and this book has opened both my mind and my heart.

Because I Love You: The Silent Shadow Of Child Sexual Abuse by psychotherapist Joyce Allan (Coordinator of the Chid Development Resource Center and past Fellow at the VFH Institute on Violence, Culture, and Survival) is a compelling and revealing report on the psychology, beliefs and values underlying the child abuse associated phenomena of silence-keeping, not only by survivors of child abuse, but by their friends, family, and communities as well. The format is a compelling memoir, enhanced and informed by the expertise of a trained and experienced child activist. Because I Love You is strongly recommended reading for professionals dealing with (and students studying the psychology of) child abuse in general, and what the author describes as the "ecology of child sexual abuse" in particular. Because I Love You is a welcome contribution to the national dialogue regarding the sexual abuse of children, and in that regard is recommended to the non-specialist general reader as well.

Joyce, in a very intimate way, has revealed to the reader the consequences of keeping secrets about child abuse. We get to know her family as she reveals in a unique manner the story she must tell. Thank you, Joyce, for this vulnerable and important work. You may save a child from being abused today.