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Robinson, L. S. (2003). I Will Survive: The African-American Guide to Healing from Sexual Assault and Abuse. New York: Seal Press. 370 p. $15.95. [ISBN: 1580050808]

As a former victim and survivor of sexual assault, author Lori S. Robinson knows first-hand the difficulties faced, particularly those faced by African-American women, when recovering from a sexual assault. I Will Survive walks sexual abuse survivors, their loved ones, and communities through the process of dealing with and healing from a sexual assault on all levels. Written with a focus on African American women (according to Robinson’s research, African-American women are raped at a higher rate than white women and less likely to report it), the information provided proves useful for any race and gender dealing with abuse issues, and for those living with children who have been sexually abused.

Starting with a survivor’s physical health, Robinson stresses the importance of seeing a health care professional within 72 hours of the assault, not just for the purposes of collecting medical evidence should a survivor choose to inform law enforcement authorities of the attack, but for their own health and well-being. This is the first empowering step towards starting the healing process. After explaining the physical examination processes of sexual assault victims, she navigates survivors through what they will face should they seek justice through the criminal justice system. Robinson reminds survivors that the criminal justice system should not be substituted for their emotional and spiritual healing needs.

Robinson gives survivors advice on the emotional healing process. She discusses what questions to ask when setting up counseling consultations and provides information on types of therapies, including alternative holistic treatments such as reiki, acupuncture, and biofeedback. She interviews a psychologist who specializes in treating sexual abuse trauma, and two “womanist” preachers who regard spiritual issues relating to sexual abuse. Chapter seven provides prayers to assist in spiritual healing, though most are written African-American clergy with a Christian emphasis.

Two chapters grapple with broader community issues of reducing risk and preventing sexual violence for adults and children. African-Americans are disproportionately affected by sexual violence. Robinson delves into the roots of their sexual victimization beginning with their arrival in North America. She then examines the role of slavery and how its aftermath affects the perception of sexual violence within the African-American community, and why institutional racism often makes it hard for victims to come forward. The author also shares stories of four other sexual abuse survivors, and provides a thorough list of hotline numbers and resources for those seeking assistance.

Robinson is an educator and award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in the Washington Post, Essence, and The Source. She does a thorough job illustrating the steps sexual assault victims should take, the pitfalls they could encounter along the way, and provides practical advice as survivors take their first step towards recovery.

Reviewed by Barbara Bolek, Assistant Librarian, Mardigian Library, University of Michigan-Dearborn, bbolek@umd.umich.edu.

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