"What do abused children feel about their situation? What are the longer-term effects of abuse? How can abused children best be helped? This book provides some insights into these and similar questions by approaching child protection work from the child's perspective. It looks at how abused children can become emotionally entrapped and, by drawing upon studies of other victims such as hostages and concentration-camp prisoners, it throws light on the complex reactions of child victims to their persecutors. A glimpse of the world of abused children is also provided through five accounts given by adults who were subjected to wide-ranging mistreatment during their earliest years. Issues for abused children who experience additional discrimination, such as those with disabilities, or black children in a mainly white society, are identified and explored." "The main focus of the book is on direct work with children. Practical suggestions are given throughout for helping abused children, whether through individual, family or group work. The reader will find guidance not only on preparation and the general principles of good practice but also concrete suggestions for materials and activities." "This book should be of considerable value to all professionals dealing with cases of child abuse. It is, however, written particularly for those practitioners whose remit is to help abused children but who have to work with limited availability of time, training and material resources."--BOOK JACKET.