Recommended Reading for Child Sexual Abuse Survivors and their Family & Friends

In our library, you will find a curated assortment of books recommended by our child sexual abuse survivors community. Books include various paths to healing from child sexual abuse, plus resources for therapists, spouses, family and friends, and a collection of memoirs from our survivor community authors.

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The Rape of Innocence: Taking Captivity Captive

The Rape of Innocence: Taking Captivity Captive

Lacresha Nicole Hayes

Genres: Books by Survivor Authors

Tags: memoir

This poignant, life-changing story of sexual, physical and parental abuse is absolutely riveting! Lacresha Hayes shares pages from her own life while reaching out to…

The Right to Innocence: Healing the Trauma of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Therapeutic 7-Step Self-Help Program for Men and Women, Including How to Choose a Therapist and Find a Support Group

The Right to Innocence: Healing the Trauma of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Therapeutic 7-Step Self-Help Program for Men and Women, Including How to Choose a Therapist and Find a Support Group

Beverly Engel

Tags: for survivors, healing CSA, trauma and PTSD

"A practical and powerful must-read book for all who have suffered childhood sexual abuse, their family members and loved ones, and for all mental health…

The Sexual Healing Journey: A Guide for Survivors of Sexual Abuse, 3rd Edition

The Sexual Healing Journey: A Guide for Survivors of Sexual Abuse, 3rd Edition

Wendy Maltz

Tags: for survivors, healing CSA

“This classic self-help book offers sound and detailed guidelines for sexual healing. Wendy Maltz stands out for her remarkable combination of wisdom, creativity, and heart.”…

The Shadows in My Heart

The Shadows in My Heart

Mary A. Havens

Genres: Books by Survivor Authors

Tags: memoir

Big families cultivate chaos. Mary Havens knows this all too well. One of twelve children, she grew up on a picturesque Wisconsin dairy farm. Holidays,…

The Survivors Club: The Secrets and Science that Could Save Your Life

The Survivors Club: The Secrets and Science that Could Save Your Life

Ben Sherwood

Tags: audio, for survivors

Which is the safest seat on an airplane? Where is the best place to have a heart attack? Why does religious observance add years to…

The Swimsuit Lesson

The Swimsuit Lesson

Jon Holsten

Tags: CSA prevention, for children, for parents and caregivers

The Swimsuit Lesson is a powerful family resource – introducing a simple, yet effective way for parents to educate their children about the danger of…

The Unspoken Truth: A Memoir

The Unspoken Truth: A Memoir

Lisa Zarcone

Genres: Books by Survivor Authors

Tags: memoir

Once upon a time, when I was a little girl, I was tucked warm and safe in my bed with a loving family to protect…

The Verbally Abusive Relationship, Expanded Third Edition: How to recognize it and how to respond

The Verbally Abusive Relationship, Expanded Third Edition: How to recognize it and how to respond

Patricia Evans

Tags: for anyone, relationship issues

In this fully expanded and updated third edition of the bestselling classic, you learn why verbal abuse is more widespread than ever, and how you…

The Wounded Heart: Hope for Adult Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse

The Wounded Heart: Hope for Adult Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Dan Allender

Tags: audio, Christian, for survivors, healing CSA

Sexual abuse knows no religious or social boundaries. The Wounded Heart is an intensely personal and specific look at this form of abuse. Dr. Allender…

They Don't Tell: Child Abuse: A Mother's Perspective

They Don't Tell: Child Abuse: A Mother's Perspective

Lisa R, Gray M.A.

Tags: for family and friends, for parents and caregivers

“Mom, if I had something to tell you. Would you be a mom or would you be a friend?” Those were the words that would…

Too Much Love Is Not Enough: A Memoir of Silence of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Too Much Love Is Not Enough: A Memoir of Silence of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Dr. Rosenna Bakari

Bakari’s brave memoir shows precisely how suicidal thoughts creep into a survivor’s mind. “If I have to be that small, I might as well not…

Tootles the Turtle Tells the Truth: An Interactive Tale about Secrets

Tootles the Turtle Tells the Truth: An Interactive Tale about Secrets

Lenell Levy Melancon

Tags: CSA prevention, for children, healing CSA

When Tootles the Turtle wanders too near the edge of the lake, a gluttonous gator bites off one of her hind legs. The imposing gator…