Every Parent’s Nightmare (2nd Ed)

In this edition, find out about:

• the signs of abuse
• which children are most at risk of being abused
• the different types of abuse
• paedophiles and the grooming process
• cyber-grooming and cyber-bullying on the internet
• addressing the problem when you suspect abuse or when abuse has been disclosed
• supporting your child emotionally and practically
• the legal process
• preparing for court
• hints and tips for keeping your child safe

Child abuse has to be one of the greatest evils in any society, a secretive sin that betrays innocence, destroys the essence of childhood, and can cause lifelong emotional pain and dysfunction.

Bruna Dessena, an Advanced Life Support paramedic, has been a child abuse activist for more than 19 years. She was a Childline counsellor for many years, as well as a trainer and Senior Facilitator at the Teddy Bear Clinic in Johannesburg, where she helped prepare children and parents for court. She has lectured on child abuse to pre-hospital professionals such as paramedics, as well as med-school, nursing and sociology students. As a parent herself, Bruna knows that every parent’s nightmare is that one day their child might be abused.

How do you deal with that? How do you help the child? What do you do first? What will happen next? In Every Parent’s Nightmare Bruna answers all these questions. She explains the signs of abuse, which children are most at risk of being abused, and then she tells you about paedophiles and paedophile rings, including how they groom children over time to gain their trust before they abuse them. She also covers the legal aspects, what should be done when you find out, and what happens in a court of law. She includes a brand new chapter on cyber-grooming and cyber-bullying and what you need to look out for as a parent.

Bruna includes the Sexual Offences Act and the Children’s Act so that you’ll know the child’s rights and what you can expect from the legal system in South Africa. She has also included many helpful resources and contact numbers at the back of the book.

Written simply and without undue melodrama, Bruna gives it to you straight. This book is highly recommended for all adults who have children or work with children.

“Nothing can prepare a parent for hearing that their child has been abused. Whether the information comes from the child or someone else, the news is devastating.”

Book reviews

• On Artslink.co.za by Moira de Swardt
• On IOL