A Mother's Nightmare - Incest
A Practical Legal Guide for Parents and Professionals
- John E. B. Myers - University of the Pacific, USA
Other Titles in:
Child Sexual Abuse
Child Sexual Abuse
August 1997 | 264 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
When parents - usually mothers - try to protect their children from sexual abuse, they can be devastated to find that support from the legal system is not always there. Suspecting their husbands or partners of the abuse, mothers may seek a divorce and custody or, if already divorced, request withdrawal of visitation rights. However, if unable to prove abuse, a mother can be labelled `hysterical' and her desperate efforts to secure her child's safety may jeopardize her case - and even result in the suspected perpetrator being granted custody of the child.
A ddressesing this troubling issue, this book provides parents and professionals with the necessary information to protect themselves against a legal system backfire. John E B Myers advises parents not to act too quickly, stresses the importance of documenting evidence and supplies a step-by-step strategy for attaining victory in the current United States court system. Topics discussed include: psychosocial evaluations; legal options; consequences of false allegations; and maintaining emotional balance.
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
Finding a Lawyer
Help from Mental Health Professionals
PART THREE: DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM, FAMILY COURT, CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES AND JUVENILE COURT
The Criminal Justice System
Family Court
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