My Name Is...And This Is My Story

Edward reports I remember the first backhand slap in the face like it was yesterday. I was begging for some milk. She told me there was no milk and I started to cry. She told me to stop crying but I couldn't and she slapped me in the mouth. Even though I still cried I didn't get hit again. I was four years old at the time. I'm fourteen now and I can remember so many times I've been hit, kicked, slammed against the wall, and beat with a belt buckle. His is the first of eight short stories outlining abuse and neglect experienced by African American youth. This book is unique in that it is told from the perspective and in the voice of these youths. It is an important guide for caregivers, social workers, school personnel, and mental health professionals to assist in the healing process of youth who are victims of child abuse and neglect. Development of the trauma narrative is among the keys to effective treatment of victims of child maltreatment. To assist with the building of the trauma narrative short stories reflecting physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and domestic violence are presented. This books' goal is to educate and facilitate this process by providing examples of traumatic exposure experienced by the silent majority of abuse and neglect victims. It is ultimately intended as a tool that gives a voice to youth of color who are often overlooked in the abuse and neglect literature.