Allison Martin

Dear Father David, . . .: a Story of How One Family Faced Their Worst Nightmare and Survived! Allison Martin

A must read for anyone who has ever experienced trauma in their life. A compelling story that will make you laugh, make you cry, but most of all make you "think". Lynda Suarez Augusta, Ga. The experiences in this book reflect the feelings of hopelessness and attempts at helpfulness that end up as helplessness many times over a period of years surrounding a rape victim and her family. They are put forth as a warning of the hurdles that must be overcome, and a guide to parents who have had their lives changed through their daughters' lives as a result of rape. All who are concerned with the care and rehabilitation of rape victims need to read the accounts in this book so they can be aware of the power of love and faith in attending to the victim's needs, and to the slow, very slow, breakdown of the walls that the rape victim throws up after the event. The reader becomes aware of the eventual healing that happens over many years of love and support, bringing the victim back into some semblance of normalcy. This is an important book which should be required reading for medical personnel to help them be aware of the inconsistencies between the "medical tests"and victim statements, and let them be a part of the professional therapeutic team that helps the victims and families of rape understand what to expect, not only immediately after the trauma, but in the long term also. Laurel Myers, Ph. D Instructional Systems Specialist Naval Medical Education and Training Command