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The facts are grim. Millions of cases of child abuse are reported in the United States each year. It can happen in any setting and by anyone's hands. Almost 88 percent of all victims were mistreated by at least one parent. The long-term effects and human suffering imposed by abuse are truly incalculable. What if your child is a statistic? How will you know there is a problem? How can you protect h... More

The facts are grim. Millions of cases of child abuse are reported in the United States each year. It can happen in any setting and by anyone's hands. Almost 88 percent of all victims were mistreated by at least one parent. The long-term effects and human suffering imposed by abuse are truly incalculable. What if your child is a statistic? How will you know there is a problem? How can you protect him or her from abuse? How will you cope?

In an invaluable new book, Parenting an Abused Child: A Practical Guide on How to Identify, Document, and Promote Healing, author Kip Thomas gives you the tools you'll need to not only figure out if there is a problem, but how to help your child heal if abuse has occurred. He also tells how families, whether together or apart because of divorce, can deal with the surrounding issues that result because of child abuse. The first part of the book gives a history on the increasing role of the government in child abuse cases. Good or bad, parents no longer have autonomy over what goes on in their homes. The author remains neutral on the implications of state involvement in child behavior, reviewing the historical aspects only to give parents a better understanding of what to expect if they are forced to interact with government officials or agencies.

Next, he discusses the impact of divorce on families, emphasizing that divorce doesn't signify the end of familial relationships. He offers tips on dealing with an estranged spouse, even if that spouse is the one who has abused the child. He also give suggestions to noncustodial parents and how they can remain actively involved in their child's life.

Ensuing chapters cover what to do if you fear the worst or if your child has told you he or she is being abused. Information is also included to help once you've reported the abuse, such as how to remain strong throughout this traumatic experience and how to become your child's best protection and advocate. The book also gives advice on how to get assistance for yourself in dealing with your child's abuse, underscored with the reminder that receiving help is not a sign of weakness.

The epilogue offers wisdom for parents who question why things happen. "Often when bad things happen to us or to someone we love, we begin to play the blame game," the author writes. "The hardest thing to accept is that sometimes things just happen."

Valuable appendixes include a sample report form for suspected child abuse/neglect, a comprehensive charitable and nonprofit support organization listing, as well as a summary of helpful hints and suggestions.

Parenting an Abused Child is a must-read for any parent, especially those of children who have suffered abuse. It is also a profound resource for church leaders, social workers, teachers, and other professional who must confront this issue.

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