Professor Freda Briggs writes with great authority on one of the greatest, hidden problems in Australia today. She is dedicated to the cause of educating all who work with children so that they are better equipped to keep children safe, assist in bringing about justice for victims and a change in societal attitudes. Some of the cases that Professor Briggs exposes are difficult to comprehend but are very real and bring great shame on our society. Despite the fact that child abuse is acknowledged and professionals are mandated to report suspicions and disclosures, this scourge still occurs and children are being damaged emotionally, sexually and physically for life. Some even die. This exceptionally well-researched book is shocking in its contents. Its intention is to reveal what is really happening in our society and to spur people into action to turn this shameful and complex problem around so that abuse stops and healing can begin. It should be a compulsory handbook for all whose work involves children, especially in the legal system, all human services, schools, pre-schools and foster care.

It covers all aspects of child abuse and neglect and presents case studies of acts of abuse and the ways they have been dealt with in recent times. It is books such as this that 'get the message out there' so that something is done in this supposedly enlightened age.