Breathe: Finding Freedom to Thrive in Relationships After Childhood Sexual Abuse

by Nicole Braddock Bromley

A least one out of every three women and one out of every six men have experienced some form of sexual abuse.  Regardless of the circumstances of the violation, every survivor can attest that it will impact relationships with parents, friends, spouses, children, and God. Sexual abuse survivors are often left feeling isolated and without anyone to trust.  But it does not have to be this way.Nicole Braddock Bromley understands the fears and anxieties victims face as they seek to build healthy relationships after sexual abuse.  As a survivor herself, Nicole offers readers the power and hope necessary to share their story, build intimacy, and develop healthy communication in all their relationships.Breathe also serves as a helpful tool for those in relationship with an abuse survivor by providing guidance, confidence, and encouragement as they seek to help and support.

Genres: Self Help, Christian, Nonfiction

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2009

Reviews

[David Mullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is always painful to hear stories from those who have been sexually abused. Miss Bromley offends us with the things that happened to her, without ever offending us with her own person. This story is a stumbling block, as Isaiah say, a rock to make us stumble, a stone that makes us fall. Go ahead, be angry with God, shake your fist, cry, wrestle with Him....but in the end The Only Place In The Universe where we find healing is in this same person we think has abandoned us to our fate. But he hasn't...his name is Jesus, and he can handle your pain.

[Leslea Abshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT information. As stated in the book: Just as children are more vulnerable than adults to the harmful effect of secondhand smoke, they are also more vulnerable to the effects of an environment polluted by the effects of the abuse their parent suffered as a child . You must deal with your issues in a healthy way. It's a fact of life that hurting people hurt others. Know that your parent's actions don't come from feeling about you, but from feeling that stem from abuse and haven't been dealt with.

A must read if you are a victim, you know a victim or will be around a victim.

[Christine Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read Hush first, but I found Breathe a very thoughtful examination and practical advice on dealing with and helping survivors of childhood sexual abuse. This was not a book for relaxing or easy reading, it was quite difficult and should be read in tandem with a group or in response or preparation for interacting with and supporting victims. A well written book and a good resource.

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, one thing that I didn’t like too much about this book was how God centered it is. The author also always refers to everyone’s “healing journey” but doesn’t talk much about how specifically that healing happens. I feel like this book is written more for the people who know someone on their life who has been sexually abused, rather than those who have been sexually abused. I found this book to be rather frustrating.

[Ms Tan · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were some lines or phrases that was getting on my nerves by the later part of the book. The generalize term of "him" in refering to a occasion bugged me and didn't seem to fit. Like why not just use "them" or "their". 🤷🏼‍♀️

[Alexandria Carmona · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is supposed to be all about healing after childhood sexual abuse, but there's no mention of how to heal other than to believe in God and his plan for you. If you believe in that, that's fine, but to tell someone that you'll never truly heal unless you accept God is kind of sketchy. 

[Shannon L Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Tool

This is a must read for any survivor or person you loves someone who is. Great insight on the need for others in healing and fore most the need for God in this journey of healing. Gives practical steps to be able to have healthy relationships.

[Nicole · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book, but once I realized it was completely based on christian healing and looking to god for answers I was really disappointed!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A helpful guide for those coming alongside and loving those who have experienced sexual abuse. Check out Nicole's ministry at http://www.onevoiceenterprises.com/

[Jordan Seigler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book.