Fighting Back

Kayla Harrison began training in judo at age 6 and is the first American ever to win an Olympic gold medal in the sport, which she did in both 2012 and 2016. Yet her competitive success masked an unimaginable personal struggle. At the age of 16, she revealed that she had been sexually abused by her coach for years. Today, Kayla uses her gold medal profile, voice, and example, as well as her Fearless Foundation, to encourage and empower other survivors of child sexual abuse. Now retired from competing in judo, Kayla is moving into mixed martial arts with the Professional Fighters League. She lives and trains in Boston.Cynthia S. Kaplan, PhD, is a faculty member at Harvard Medical School and Director of Trauma Training and Consultation in the Simches Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at McLean Hospital. She has worked with numerous survivors of child sexual abuse and is coauthor of Helping Your Troubled Teen.Blaise Aguirre, MD, holds the Michael Hollander, PhD, Endowed Directorship at the 3East Dialectical Behavior Therapy program at McLean Hospital, and is a faculty member at Harvard Medical School. He is the author of Borderline Personality Disorder in Adolescents: What To Do When Your Teen Has BPD.

"A gift of inestimable value for parents and others concerned about the scourge of childhood sexual abuse. If only this book had been available when my children were young, I might have recognized the causes of my daughter’s suffering--and been able to stop the abuse. It reveals the warning signs of a child or teen being lured or abused, how to talk to children about their safety in a nonjudgmental way, and how to get help. Kayla courageously shares how a survivor thinks about her experience and can heal from it."--Muriel T., Toronto, Canada"A much-needed look into a very complex topic that desperately needs to be addressed. As someone who personally experienced abuse, I know the isolation and shame it can bring. Reading Kayla’s personal account, I had the feeling of being understood. My symptoms were a normal response to an abnormal situation. Although recovery is a long process, Kayla shows us that it is indeed possible. This book has the power to restore hope and save lives."--Cassandra P., Plymouth, Massachusetts"One of those rare books that will both capture your heart and feed your mind. The story of Kayla's personal struggle is painful and emotionally powerful. The timing of this book is perfect--our society needs to see these issues with the clarity and courage of Kayla Harrison and address them with the wisdom of Drs. Aguirre and Kaplan."--Bruce D. Perry, MD, PhD, Senior Fellow, The ChildTrauma Academy"Fighting Back is packed with powerful lessons for parents and survivors, as well as professionals who work with children. As a father, I was deeply moved by Kayla's experiences; her eloquent journal entries tore at my heart. As a school psychologist, I appreciated the knowledge and guidance of Drs. Kaplan and Aguirre, who explain the essentials of education and evidence-based treatment. Kayla’s story is ultimately one of hope--it shows how survivors can emerge with dignity and resilience."--Richard Lieberman, MA, NCSP, Lecturer, Graduate School of Education, Loyola Marymount University“A comprehensive resource for anyone faced with the devastating impact of childhood sexual abuse, including survivors, their families, and professionals. Kayla Harrison’s lived experience is interwoven with information and advice from two treatment experts in this compelling book."--Melanie Harned, PhD, ABPP, VA Puget Sound Health Care System and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington -This book provides a unique perspective on coping with trauma and helping victims of child sexual abuse (CSA)….This book has value for educators, therapists, health care staff, those who work closely with children, and parents. This book would also be beneficial to those who are experienced in helping victims of CSA, as they can learn more information about how the victim views and then copes with trauma. This book would also be good for victims--to help them cope with their experience and recognize that other victims have been in the same situation and gone on to thrive.--Journal of Child and Family Studies, 2/1/2019

• PrologueIntroduction1. How Child Sexual Abuse Begins2. Keeping the Secret3. The Tipping Point: Breaking the Silence4. Freedom with Its Own Chains: What to Expect after Disclosure5. Recovery: A Long and Winding Road6. Find the Way to Professional Help7. From Victim to Survivor8. How We Can Help: Prevention and EducationEpilogueResources