This author pulls no punches in tackling tortuous and challenging issues in this updated edition of his 1997 book. An Australian law professor specialising in child protection, he shows remarkable insight into these intensely painful areas of human experience, from the perspectives of child victims, adult survivors, family members, church leaders and indeed perpetrators.

He does not shy away from exploring some of the most difficult questions facing churches and individual Christians. These include providing sensitive and appropriate accompaniment for abuse survivors, and the necessity of facing up to current abuse occurring in church families and within church activities. He also examines the time and place for forgiveness, grace and repentance.

Many Christian doctors are sought out by patients, family, friends and churches on such issues, and this book provides a resource for informing, supporting and perhaps educating those who look to us for wise counsel and support. 'Child protection awareness' may be familiar to professionals but is rarely ventured into voluntarily. I will certainly be sharing my copy with those able and willing to read it.