What survivors of rape need to hear more than anything else is that they are not alone in their alternating feelings of anger, bitterness, sadness, and grief. In Who's Afraid of the Dark? thirty rape survivors provide this reassurance by sharing how their lives have been affected. Singly, these memorable and heartfelt pieces stand as testaments to the ultimate strength and resilience of the individuals who wrote them. Together, they are powerful proof for all survivors that, whether it takes months or years, and whatever their individual circumstances, it is possible to regain the trust, hope, and self-esteem that have been robbed so brutally from them. Also included is an introduction offering information about the long-term effects of rape, as well as a listing of important sources of further help and referral.
This is an edited collection of personal stories written by 31 people (29 women and 2 men) who have survived rape. They each write about the long-term aftermath of the experience, years later. Most people probably don't want to hear the details of the long-lasting impact, but the reality is that it DOES have lifelong consequences. The stories show the similarities and differences of rape experiences and highlight the ways in which survivors have overcome some of the negative outcomes. This book is a very important document that helps validate survivors' pain, suffering, and challenges. The editor has made a valuable contribution by bringing these stories together.