This can help a lot of people

Here's some really good news in the midst of what's going on in the world today. I can only imagine the pain and struggles that victims of sexual abuse endure. But now along comes Catie the Caterpillar: A story to help break the silence of sexual abuse, by Tracy M. Schamburg (Liguori Publications).

It is a delightful little book that can easily speak to the inner fears of kids who have unfortunately been caught in the guilt that results from such trauma. Here is what the back cover says:

Catie is a sweet little caterpillar who suddenly stops eating, sleeping, playing, and praying because she is keeping a terrible secret: she is being sexually abused by her uncle. With the help of a wise old caterpillar counslor, Catie is finally able to reveal her trauma and get the support she needs and deserves. She is transformed into a beautiful butterfly, a symbol of the freedom that accompanies the healing process and of the victory over shame. . .

Catie the Caterpoillar's simple, straightforward language and colorful illustrations realistically portray the scenario of child abuse, integrating the lines typically used by perpetrators and the guilt feelings and withdrawal of the victim into a story that demonstrates the need to express rather than suppress feelings.

Abuse happens in all kinds of situations - families, churches, public places. Both boys and girls are victims, and in most cases it is relatives who are the abusers. Psychology tells us how important it is to find help and healing because unfortunately abuse victims often themselves abusers of others. Let's hope that books like Catie the Caterpiller can help