"HIDING BEHIND THE CLOTH" - Memoirs of an Innocent Child: 
               
Written and published by Louise Stratton, based upon her deposition given in 1994 and her
personal memoirs.

There are many people whom I believe will be able to relate to my story.  This book is intended to give other victims the courage to speak up about their own abuse.  It is also written to help each reader gain a better insight and understanding of some of the more subtle signs of abuse and how to recognize them in order to potentially save other children from the hell they may be enduring.

It is my wish to give all victims of abuse a voice through my story.  So many people live silently in shame because of their past.  However, the shame does not lie within us, it lies with the people who commit these horrible acts.  Children need to learn and understand there is nothing to fear in speaking out, and they will learn this valuable lesson if they begin to see the adults they know and look up to doing the same.  

I have also included two chapters dedicated for various ways to aid in the healing process.  Although I know I will never be restored to the innocent little girl I once was, many of these methods have helped me cope over the years.  I have shared them in order to help others in their journey of healing. 

Some readers' comments include:

"..The book, which Im almost done with..is OUTSTANDING to say the least!!!!!"

"Received this book today in the mail, and read the whole thing already. My heart breaks for Luci and what she went through. God bless you...and thank you for sharing your story."

"..God was definitely there to pull her through & help her overcome all that she went through!"

"..I finished the book the other day and don't even have words for all the emotions I felt.  I just wanted to reach out and hug Luci."

"Gave a copy to a dear friend today...It isn't just the sexual abuse, there was never ending domestic violence as well.  It all has to cease!" 

I am currently in the process of writing a children's book which will help children understand there is nothing to fear in having the courage to tell a responsible adult, such as a teacher, police officer, counselor, or family member, if their body is being violated in some way.  Fear can be crippling to a child, especially if he or she feels threatened in some way.