Sexual Abuse in the Lives of Women Diagnosed withSerious Mental Illness

Although a substantial amount of media and professional attention has been devoted to the incidence of sexual abuse in the population at large, the plight of those who have suffered abuse and are seriously mentally ill has largely been ignored. Adding to the existing literature on trauma, this book exposes the prevalence of physical and emotional abuse among severely mentally ill patients, and includes case studies that reveal its tragic and devastating impact. Offering chapters on theory and assessment of abused women, this book explores services that are available to them, discusses treatment (including inpatient and cognitive-behavioral approaches), and addresses recommendations for the improvement of both policy and research.

About the Author

Maxine Harris, PhD, is co-founder and co-director of Community Connections, a private, non-profit mental health agency in Washington, D.C. She is the author of numerous articles and the co-editor of two monographs on case management for persons with serious mental illness.

Christine L. Landis, LICSW, is a clinical social worker and supervisor at Community Connections.