The premise of Bryant-Davis’s (psychology, Pepperdine Univ.) book is that while survivors of sexual violence often develop mental health issues, they can still grow and live full lives. A victim of sexual assault, Bryant-Davis empathetically explains the range of different sexual violations, from harassment in the workplace and marital rape to sexual violence in the military and childhood sexual abuse. She draws from experts in the field to shed light on various modes of recovery including mind-body practices, psychoeducation, spirituality/religion, and journaling. Bryant offers comprehensive treatment options for practitioners and readers familiar with the field.

Library Journal

In this comprehensive anthology on coping with sexual violence, psychology professor and trauma expert Bryant-Davis (Thriving in the Wake of Trauma) has included essays covering childhood sexual abuse, human trafficking, the value of self-defense training, and the reintegration of faith as a method of healing from trauma, among other subjects. The result reads... free of academic jargon, and accessible to laypeople. Sexual abuse survivors, as well as their friends and family, will find suggestions for recovery strategies and supporting research.

Publishers Weekly

At the same time that it disrupts lives, sexual violence can also offer options for survival and growth. That is the overall message Bryant-Davis (psychology, Pepperdine Univ.) delivers in this edited volume, which focuses mostly on adult women. Part 1 describes sexual violence across the life span and settings (e.g., harassment, trafficking, relationships--sexual assault in the military is considered) and the plethora of physical, psychological, and spiritual outcomes resulting from that violence. Part 2 emphasizes culturally sensitive counseling to empower survivors and aid recovery--for example, psychotherapy, eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing, family therapy, feminist counseling, mind-body practices (which are particularly helpful for women), journaling, and social support in general. Vignettes illuminate pathways to healing and coping skills, self-defense training, spirituality, and group and individual therapy. Psychoeducation involves dispelling myths and providing education about sexual assault....This book is useful for survivors, significant others, and counselors seeking a broad array of positive and supportive interventions. Resources and suggested activities are helpful. Summing Up: Recommended. Researchers, professionals, and general readers.

Choice Reviews

Surviving Sexual Violence: A Guide to Recovery and Empowerment is a comprehensive guidebook to assist both clinicians and the general public in understanding the various areas of sexual violence as well as different and innovative treatment techniques for coping with such violence. Editor Thema Bryant-Davis brings together topics that have long been studied, such as childhood sexual abuse, as well as issues that are current and pressing, such as human trafficking....Overall, this comprehensive book provides a great deal of insight into all areas of sexual violence and, in particular, the different ways to treat survivors of sexual violence. Many different aspects of sexual violence are explored. Treatment techniques are discussed in both technical and practical terms for both professionals and survivors to gain knowledge and benefit.

PsycCRITIQUES

This comprehensive guide contains a wealth of information about various forms of sexual violence and a range of treatments and recovery methods for sexual assault survivors. The book is remarkable in its clarity and accessibility and coverage of current research, making it a wonderful resource for professionals, students, and survivors.

Sarah E. Ullman, Ph.D., professor of criminology,law, & justice, University of Illinois at Chicago

Although the effects of sexual violation can be long-term and severe, healing is possible. Unfortunately, few culturally sensitive resources are designed to help victims, their loved ones, and service providers negotiate the healing process. Surviving Sexual Violence: A Guide to Recovery and Empowerment fills a critically important void. In conjunction with a stellar panel of experts, Thema Bryant-Davis uses a warm tone, professional knowledge, and personal experience to create an inspiring, comprehensive overview of sexual victimization. The authors offer clear explanations, practical suggestions, and many moving first-person examples of the recovery process drawn from interviews with survivors. Written in accessible language, this book will offer hope and encouragement to a broad range of survivors. It is also suitable for training mental health clinicians and researchers as well as experienced professionals. In addition to providing clear, practical suggestions and explanations, Surviving Sexual Violence: A Guide to Recovery and Empowerment has other important features: o In addition to sexual assaults by strangers, intimate parents, and family members, it acknowledges the victimization of survivors of human trafficking, military rape, and group rape. o It takes a holistic approach to healing by including the mind, body, and spirit of the survivors. They are encouraged to explore spirituality, meditation, journaling, and activism as additional pathways to healing. Definitive in scope, Surviving Sexual Violence: A Guide to Recovery and Empowerment will help professionals and others who are invested in helping survivors come to terms with the past, while moving into a promising future.

Carolyn M. West Ph.D, University of Washington