Louise Nicholas – My Story

Nicholas, Louise (2007) Random House Publishing, New Zealand.

In this very important book Louise Nicholas tells her story - the sad story of a teenager whose abuse first began when she was a 13 year old and continued throughout her teens.

Award-winning journalist Philip Kitchin's investigations into the cover-up of Louise's complaints led to the establishment of Operation Austin. Louise's story is interspersed with Philip's story detailing his investigations into the case. The result is a fascinating read with wider implications for the way we view the police in this country.

Surviving and Moving on

McGregor, Kim (2007) Random House Publishing, New Zealand.

Dr Kim McGregor has worked in New Zealand as a therapist with survivors of sexual abuse for more than 20 years, she is currently the director of Rape Prevention Education and is an active member of several other organizations dedicated to the prevention of sexual violence and/or the support of survivors of sexual violence.

The book is organised under three main section headings: Surviving; Moving On and For Others.

• Part 1: Surviving, has chapters on child sexual abuse, the child, consequences of sexual abuse and the offender.
• Part 2: Comprises 14 chapters on topics such as preparations for a healing journey, dealing with the abuse, dealing with feelings and emotions, expressing anger, getting rid of self-blame confronting the offender, finding a therapist and the like.
• Part 3: Has advice on caregivers of survivors and living with a survivor. There are extensive appendices on keeping children safe, normal sexual development, notes for counsellors and a message to offenders.

This book is very easy to read, and it is short and concise. It is recommended as a good starting place for survivors and/or their support people.

Real Gorgeous: The Truth About Body and Beauty

Cooke, Kaz (1994) Allen and Unwin, NSW, Australia. 309 pages.

This is a wonderful book for girls and women. It provides no-nonsense information about size, shape, self-esteem and the cellulite scam. The book is funny and easy to read, it has jokes and cartoons and is sure to give you a whole new perspective on beauty and beauty tips.

The best thing is it's likely to leave you loving your body and feeling good about yourself.

Quest for Respect: A Guide to Healing for Survivors of Rape

Braswell, Linda (1989) Pathfinder Publishing, California. 66 pages.

This book was written with the goals of informing rape survivors: to help survivors know that rape is a crime; that rape and sexual abuse is never their fault; to help survivors restore their personal power, and heal their hearts and spirits. The book aims to empower survivors of rape and will also be helpful to families, friends and others who may be supporting survivors of rape in their healing, to assist them in gaining an understanding of the needs of survivors.

This book is very easy to read, and it is short and concise. It is recommended as a good starting place for survivors and/or their support people.

Getting to Peace: A Guide for Healing After Rape and Abuse

Cheyne, Brenda (2003) Dove Publishing, Wellington, NZ. 178 pages

Getting to Peace is a New Zealand self help book. It was written by a survivor and in this book she shares her story and outlines the healing journey. Getting to Peace provides a wealth of information and covers; what is rape, the kinds of rape that exist, survival systems, the trauma experienced by survivors, the rape aftermath and the healing journey.

This book is a comprehensive guide to healing and understanding rape and sexual abuse. "Getting to Peace" is particularly holistic in its approach to rape and sexual abuse and provides insight into its effects on women.

Allies in Healing: When the Person You Love Was Sexually Abused as a Child

Davis, Laura (1991) Harper Collins, New York, 350 pages

From the same author as "Courage to Heal" and "Beginning to Heal" this book is a wonderful resource for partners, as well as extended family, friends and support people of those that have been raped and sexually abused.

The book is based on in-depth interviews with partners and workshops for partners run in America.

This book offers practical advice and encouragement. It looks at some of the basic questions about rape and sexual abuse, key concepts for working together, strategies for dealing with crisis, intimacy, communication, family issues and has some useful and enlightening stories from partners. Again this book's focus is on childhood sexual abuse but it is easily transferable to all types of sexual violence.