Resources - Reading & Research

**Trigger Warning**

Today, we understand that trauma doesn’t look one way and that in a sense, there’s no clear cut

definition of what trauma is or isn’t – because trauma is about the perception of an event, not the event itself. There are endless resources on how to heal and recover.

Here are a few recommendations from Family Advocates' staff to help narrow the material available

in order to aid in your healing journey.

BOOKS

A Memoir by Chanel Miller

Memoir about Chanel Miller's sexual assault and her experiences with the subsequent court case. Miller reclaims her identity to tell her story of trauma, transcendence, and the power of words.

Advice from the Battlefield

by Tina Swithin

The behavior of individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder generally defies logic but sadly, their tactics in the Family Court System often fool Judges, Commissioners, Attorneys, Minor’s Counsel, Social Workers, Therapists and even trained Evaluators.

Sum of My Parts

A Survivor's Story of Dissociative Identity Disorder by Olga Trujillo

By the first day of kindergarten, Olga Trujillo had already survived years of abuse and violent rape at the hands of her tyrannical father. Over the next ten years, she would develop the ability to numb herself to the constant abuse by splitting into distinct mental “parts.”

Victim No More

Your Guide to Overcome Revictimization by Jean Carlton

This guide explores the victim role learned from childhood abuse and how it conditions people to accept revictimization in adulthood. It shows how victims of domestic violence, rape, and sexual harassment at work can identify harmful beliefs, behavior patterns, and boyd language that set them up to be revictimized.

Voices of Courage

Inspiration from Survivors of Sexual Assault by Mike Domitrz

From tragedy to triumph, inspiring lessons unfold in this one-of-a-kind book by twelve survivors of sexual assault. An eye-opening journal of personal growth and recovery, Voices of Courage will forever change your perspective on life after a sexual assault. All proceeds benefit organizations addressing sexual assault.

Recovery of Your Inner Child

by Lucia Cappchione

Lucia Cappchione pioneered the “reparenting movement” and wrote 23 books related to inner-child work and healing through art therapy. Her book Recovery of Your Inner Child is a beautiful starting point for anyone who wants to connect with and heal their inner child.

It Didn't Start with You

by Mark Wolynn

Remaining silent about family pain is rarely an effective strategy for healing it. The suffering will surface again at a later time, often expressing in the fears or symptoms of a later generation.

The Sexual Healing Journey

A Guide for Survivors of Sexual Abuse by Wendy Maltz

Sexual abuse and boundary violation aren’t easy to talk about. With it, comes deep shame and embarrassment, and perhaps feelings of helplessness or loss of self. Maltz helps survivors understand the changes that happen after abuse occurs, and move towards healing.

The Art of Healing from Sexual Trauma

Tending Body and Soul through Creativity, Nature, and Intuition by Naomi Ardea

Much remains hidden as survivors of sexual trauma do the hard work of healing. Naomi Ardea offers a rare, in-depth view into the inner world of a victim finding her way to regain peace and wholeness. Within this memoir of healing moments, Ardea weaves insightful reflections on common trauma healing patterns as well as a practical, nurturing self-care guide for other survivors.

Lived Through This

Listening to the Stories of Sexual Violence Survivors by Anne K Ream, The Voices and Faces Project

Part personal history of Anne Ream’s own experience rebuilding her life after violence, part memoir of a multi-country, multi-year journey spent listening to survivors. Considered individually, her profiles are profoundly moving, and even inspiring. Considered collectively, they are a window into a world where sexual violence is more commonplace than most of us imagine.