Not Child's Play is a unique collection of writings
and art by women who are survivors of incest perpetrated
by their brothers. This book explores this most difficult
topic in an extraordinarily courageous and absolutely  unprecedented
way.
Not Child's Play gives voice to the silent cries
of shame, anger and pain that have been buried in the hearts
of small girls grown into wounded women. Comprised of individual
testaments to the struggle and ultimate transcendence of
sister survivors, this work is a paean of strength, compassion
and hope to the tens of thousands who have shared this life-altering
experience. Once sung, these songs will never again be silent.
Not Child's Play is a bomb that will drop into
the complacent lives of families who will not or cannot
see or hear their daughters' and sisters' unspoken pleas
for protection, support and vindication. These words and
images will break down the wall that has shielded brother-sister
incest from the flame of public scrutiny and personal outrage.
This book begins to name the deed, to break the cycle of
shame and silence that has kept this issue of abuse conveniently
hidden from public view.
Lynn Bonde,
J.D., MSW
Not Child's Play is a lifeline for survivors, a mirror
in which perpetrators might be able to see themselves clearly,
an invaluable gift to society. By sharing the truths of
their lives, these courageous women are helping to erase
ignorance and transform denial into acknowledgement and
action.
Lucy Tatman,
PhD
Not Child's Play is collection of short stories poetry,
prose and art by women from the United States, Canada and England
who as little girls were sexually abused by their brothers.
Thirty-five diverse women reveal their experiences of abuse
as girls, their strategies for survival, and their tortuous
and rewarding path of healing. Their stories are immensely readable,
uplifting and empowering. This book not only provides a lifeline
for survivors, but is also essential reading for counselors
and therapists, the families of the survivors, perpetrators,
students in women studies, sociology and psychology, and those
who work with teens.
The misuse of power and control that underlie brother-sister
incest is laid bare in these courageous writings and art -
little girls grow up with excruciating legacies of shame and
self-hatred. This book breaks the cycle of shame and secrecy
that keeps this issue conveniently buried and allows it to
continue. Speaking out changes everything.
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