Description:
Sexual molestation of children is a social problem that seems to be increasing. Because sexual predators must have secrecy in order to molest children, the author has chosen the title Hide and Sex since it suggests a child's game with a sinister twist. Although a novel written for easy reading, Hide and Sex is clinically accurate with authentic social work practices and gives the reader a clear picture of the myriad of cases that Department of Children and Families caseworkers manage on a daily basis. These case histories, though fictional, replicate actual cases of deviant behavior and broken lives. The book takes the reader through the everyday life of a social worker named Liz, with episodes of her personal life interwoven throughout the story. As Liz works her way through sordid cases that affect her personal life, the story follows her through unhappy courtships until she meets the love of her life and prepares to marry him. Liz herself has a deep, dark secret she is forced to deal with before she can marry her fiancé, Brin. The author reveals how easily children can become victims of molestation with the goal of educating everyone who cares for children about the need to supervise them carefully at all times. Victims of abuse often feel that they have no control over their own lives or even over their own bodies. They feel that they have no choices available to them. The child knows something is wrong and blames him or herself, not others. The offender will often encourage the child to feel that the abuse is his or her fault and sometimes s/he will feel that s/he is a bad person. These children feel anger and betrayal because they are dependent upon adults for nurturing and protection and the offender often is someone who they should be able to love and trust. They may also feel betrayed by a non-offending parent who they feel has failed to protect them. Children who suffer sexual abuse often become runaways, drug addicts, alcoholics, or prostitutes. Even worse, they sometimes become molesters themselves and some even become murderers. That is why people must be made aware of the heinous crime of sexual abuse and its devastating ramifications. It is the author's hope that Hide and Sex will help bring this issue to light so all children can be protected.
