Anatomy of a Nightmare: The Failure of Society in Dealing With Child Sexual Abuse

Rexdale, Ontario, Canada: Macmillan of Canada, 1988. Not Stated. Hard Cover. Very Good +/Very Good +. 194 p. incl. index, bibliography & notes. VG+/VG+. Clean, solid, in unclipped DJ. "Martyn Kendrick, who covered the unprecedented two-year-long Hamilton child-custody trial, takes an in-depth look at one of the most troubling phenomena of contemporary life; child sexual abuse. Kendrick draws on some startling historical and sociological parallels (medieval witch hunts, psychotic murderers) to buttress his call for a careful study of legal practices and psychological theories in the field of child abuse. He also examines the unacknowledged origins of abuse in child-rearing practices." He notes that the rise in sensational and unsupported allegations of satanic and ritual abuse has led to the infringement of the civil rights of many innocent parents and child-care workers, and has also made it harder to respond effectively to genuine reports of child abuse. A very useful resource. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.