Every Parents Nightmare
The essential guide for adults dealing with child abuse. Includes: signs of abuse; abuser and grooming process; addressing the problem; supporting your child; the legal process; preparing for court.
Key Features:
- the signs of abuse
- which children are most at risk of being abused
- the different types of abuse
- paedophiles and the grooming process
- cyber-grooming and cyber-bullying on the internet
- addressing the problem when you suspect abuse or when abuse has been disclosed
- supporting your child emotionally and practically
- the legal process
- preparing for court
- hints and tips for keeping your child safe
Why read Every Parents Nightmare?
Bruna Dessena, a highly experienced Advanced Life Support paramedic, has dedicated over 19 years to advocating for victims of child abuse. She served as a Childline counsellor for many years and worked as a Senior Facilitator and trainer at the Teddy Bear Clinic in Johannesburg, where she supported children and families preparing for court proceedings. Bruna has also shared her expertise on child abuse prevention with paramedics, medical students, nurses, and sociology students. As a mother, she understands the terrifying fear every parent shares—the possibility of their child becoming a victim of abuse.
So, what should you do if this happens? How can you support the child? What are the first steps to take? What comes next? In her book Every Parent’s Nightmare, Bruna provides clear answers to these difficult questions. She outlines how to recognize the signs of abuse, identifies the children most vulnerable to harm, and explains the tactics used by paedophiles and abuse rings—how they build trust with children over time before exploiting them. Additionally, she covers the legal side of things, guiding parents on what actions to take if abuse is suspected and what to expect during legal proceedings.
A key new addition to the book is a chapter on cyber-grooming and cyber-bullying, offering crucial advice for parents on how to recognize online threats to their children.
Bruna also includes references to South Africa’s Sexual Offences Act and the Children’s Act, helping parents understand their child’s legal rights and what they can expect from the judicial system. The book provides useful resources and contact details at the end for further support.
Written in a straightforward and compassionate manner, Every Parent’s Nightmare avoids sensationalism while providing essential, practical information. This book is highly recommended for any adult responsible for children or those who work with them.
