If you are looking to learn more about gender-based sexual violence, its consequences, and how providers can promote healing and recovery for survivors of violence, you have come to the right place. This book is a much needed and comprehensive source on gender-based sexual violence that serves to raise awareness of and destigmatize conversations around gender-based sexual violence. Further, it puts forth a call to action that we all have a role in preventing and ending gender-based sexual violence. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about gender-based sexual violence, how we can support and care for those who have experienced it, and how we can advocate for change.

Amber M. Jarnecke, Medical University of South Carolina

Understanding Gender-Based Sexual Violence against Women and Girls: Breaking the Culture of Silence is comprehensive and informative. It offers both breadth and depth views of gender-based violence throughout the life span and across cultures. In addition, this book includes a thorough discussion of the effects of violence, barriers to care, and treatments that are available. This work is a scholarly compilation of past and current research in the field. The research informs the discussion of the topics in each chapter which are well-written and hold the reader’s interest. This volume is well-suited for an academic library and for inclusion in coursework for students pursuing professions in medical and mental health care. It would also be an informative source for a general audience about gender violence and its prevalence across the lifespan and in the world.

Lorraine C. Braswell, PhD

This book is hugely important and should be mandatory reading for healthcare providers from all disciplines—not just psychology and psychiatry. In fact, everyone could benefit from reading this book, as it’s clear that we all regularly interact with survivors of sexual violence in our lives, likely with little awareness or sensitivity to the pervasive impacts of their trauma. This book provides insight into the unique challenges faced by survivors of sexual violence and also gives many valuable and practical suggestions as to how to promote healing.

Moira Haller, clinical psychologist, Center for Stress, Trauma, and Anxiety Recovery

Emphasizing empiricism, compassion, and advocacy, the authors provide a comprehensive review and synthesis of the literature on gender-based sexual violence against women. Chapter by chapter, the authors confront the culture of silence as they present data on the national and global prevalence of gender-based sexual violence; its psychological, physical, and interpersonal impact; and the relevant historical, social, and legal context. The authors offer hope as they review the behavioral health treatment literature and highlight key considerations for engaging this population in care. Practical suggestions for health care providers who work with women survivors of gender-based sexual violence are integrated throughout. Vital clinical and scientific implications make this a requisite text for practitioners and researchers alike.

Elizabeth Goetter, Massachusetts General Hospital