Read more
"Men’s lives are complicated, despite stereotypes to the contrary. Recognizing and making sense of the challenges faced by male survivors of sexual abuse requires even more complex thinking. We’re very fortunate that Richard Gartner and a who’s who of experts have shared their insights – and the voices of many men they’ve worked with – in order to help professionals better understand and serve these men. This book is a must-read for therapists, lawyers, clergy, and anyone who spends time with male survivors."-Andrew P. Smiler, Ph.D., Board President, MaleSurvivor: National Organization against Male Sexual Victimization; Past President, Society for the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinity, Division 51, American Psychological Association; author, Dating and Sex: A Guide for the 21st Century Teen Boy."Understanding the Sexual Betrayal of Boys and Men: The Trauma of Sexual Abuse is a chorus of voices, coming from a range of perspectives, on the oft-misunderstood topic of men who have been sexually abused. Covering neurobiological, medical, psychological, empirical, diversity and first person perspectives, it offers practical and evidence-based information that will be a lifesaver for men who have survived abuse. This book is a "must read" for every therapist working with such men."-Ronald F. Levant, Ed.D., M.B.A., A.B.P.P., Professor of Psychology, University of Akron; Former President, American Psychological Association; co-editor, The Psychology of Men and Masculinities, A New Psychology of Men, and New Psychotherapy for Men."Understanding the Sexual Betrayal of Boys and Men is a treasure trove of illuminating essays on the devastating effects of childhood sexual abuse on boys, and on the men they become. Approximately one in six men in our culture have been sexually abused as children. Authors from a variety of fields of expertise describe the effects of childhood sexual abuse on brain chemistry and structure, interpersonal distrust, distorted and fearful feelings about the body, issues of gender and sexual identity confusion on boys, and more. All of this is in the context of straitjacketing stereotypes that instruct men not to be vulnerable. Also exposed is the surrounding dark side our culture that has implicitly allowed abuse of boys, whether in the church, in sports, or as aspects of high-ranking privileged men’s customs. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the lives of men.The editor, Richard Gartner, PhD, was the first major mental health expert to document, and describe in detail, the high prevalence of sexual abuse of boys and its effects on them. His specialized treatment approaches are described in earlier books: Betrayed as Boys: Psychodynamic Treatment of Men Abused as Boys and Beyond Betrayal: Taking Charge of Your Life after Boyhood Sexual Abuse."-Elizabeth Howell, Ph.D., author, Understanding and Treating Dissociative Identity Disorder: A Relational Approach and The Dissociative Mind; co-editor, The Dissociative Mind in Psychoanalysis: Understanding and Working with Trauma."Understanding the Sexual Betrayal of Boys and Men: The Trauma of Sexual Abuse is an essential and incisive compendium. Integrating multiple perspectives, this book addresses the full implications of male sexual abuse: its emotional, physiological, and legal aftermath. The contributing authors achieve this with depth, wisdom, and compassion. We must thank Gartner for continuing to awaken us to this trauma, and for releasing these men from the shadows."-Sue Grand, Ph.D., author, The Reproduction of Evil: A Clinical and Cultural Perspective and The Hero in the Mirror: From Fear to Fortitude."Public and professional recognition of male sexual abuse did not come into view until the 1980s. Dr. Gartner changed that and continues to do so. He has written a number of books on male sexual abuse and now, by means of this book and its cohort volume (Healing Sexually Betrayed Men and Boys: Treatment for Sexual a...
