The Enemy Between My Legs [Paperback]

Stephanie L. Jones (Author), Nancy McDaniel & Mary Edwards (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 16, 2007

Have you ever been sexually abused? It's a simple, yet profound question. The answer is either yes or no. Unfortunately, for as many as one in three females and one in five males, the answer is yes. Sexual abuse is not bound by race, economic status, or social class. It strikes every family. Because of the hurt, shame, and embarrassment it brings to families, no one wants to talk about it. Do you think that it hasn't happened in your family? Think again! Have you or someone you know been sexually promiscuous? Are you feeling lonely, confused, or depressed and don't know why? Do you wonder if the person who abused you ever thinks about it? Do you have problems being intimate with your spouse? Before you send your child off to another babysitter... Before you let your child play Hide-and-Seek... Before you let your child spend the night anywhere else... Before you call another pregnant teen a fast little girl... Before you say, My husband would never touch my child... YOU MUST READ THE ENEMY BETWEEN MY LEGS!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Stephanie L. Jones opted out of corporate America after spending several years working for Fortune 500 companies. A pursuit of her entrepreneurial goals then led to a brief career in marketing and public relations. As a publicist, she worked with and helped to advance the careers of several bestselling book authors. Although highly successful in her endeavors, she soon took another bold step, this time to fulfill her destiny. She became an advocate for individuals suffering from the effects of child sexual abuse. Stephanie is known for her honest approach in dealing with sexual abuse, a subject that few people will openly discuss. She has the ability to understand and connect with abuse victims, especially teenagers and young adults. This has made her a highly sought-after speaker for schools, churches, and major organizations. Among several other honors, she has received the Kiwanis International Lee Harden Take Time to Care Award for her community service work. She's a volunteer student mentor and works with several organizations whose focus is youth and community development. Stephanie, and her husband, Robert, live in the metro Detroit area.

Product Details

• Paperback: 132 pages
• Publisher: Stephanie L. Jones, LLC; 1st edition (November 16, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 097945560X
• ISBN-13: 978-0979455605
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #901,348 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Listen, Please!, December 13, 2007

By 

Angelia Menchan "acvermen.blogspot.com" (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Enemy Between My Legs (Paperback)

The Enemy Between My Legs by Stephanie L. Jones is a spiritual, self-help guide that packs a powerful punch. Ms. Jones exposes years of sexual abuse as a child in order to help others. I found myself fascinated by and appreciative of her honesty from the first page. I was utterly amazed at how young kids adjust who are taken advantage of by the people in their lives.

Stephanie was only five years of age when the abuse started in her own home. Her mother, who was once homeless, introduced a cast of characters into her life and those were the very people who molested her. The abuse went on for seven years and sent Stephanie spiraling out of control to years of promiscuity, alcohol and drug abuse. The only struggle I had was in believing how unaware her parents were. She offered explanations that just rang a bit hollow for me. Most interestingly, Stephanie maintained good grades throughout school, even attending college. However, she does offer clues for parents and educators as to what to look for, with the message being, `A book can't always be judged by the cover.'

I recommend The Enemy Between My Legs to parents, young adults and mentors.


Angelia Menchan
APOOO BookClub

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The many faces of the enemy?, March 15, 2008

By 

The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers (RAWSISTAZ.com and BlackBookReviews.net) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Enemy Between My Legs (Paperback)

Statistics show as many as one in three females and one in five males
have been sexual abused; nearly three million cases annually. That kind of abuse is not bound by family, race, economic status, or social class; it touches the lives of almost everyone. The sad reality is this subject is almost taboo, no one wants to talk about it. Well, Ms. Jones could no longer hold her peace. She releases her demons and hopes she will help release the demons of so many people whose childhood was as traumatic as hers. She exposes seven years of sexual abuse; from the time she was five until she was twelve years old.

THE ENEMY BETWEEN MY LEGS is a well written revelation of the occurences and aftermath of an ignored evil. Ms. Jones provides resources and surveys that are factual and informative, and delivers a spiritually inspiring, self-help guide. Although this book is heartbreaking, it is encouraging. And if it seems graphic, just remember this is real, this horror is actually being lived.

For anyone who has not been molested, it should, at a minimum, increase awareness of a child's behavior so the signs can be recognized and positive actions taken. For those who are victims of incest or sexual abuse, this should feel like a healing ointment. One primary messages is also a warning, 'Don't count anyone out as an abuser; neighbors, family members, baby-sitters, or persons in prestigious positions'. I can only imagine Ms. Jones feels lighter, for having the strength to share her burden and allow readers a peek into her emotions.

Reviewed by aNN
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A title everyone should read, November 7, 2008

By 

Jennifer Bogart "@ Quiverfullfamily.com" (Alberta, Canada) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Enemy Between My Legs (Paperback)

The Enemy Between My Legs - even the title provokes a visceral, knee-jerk emotional reaction from any woman who has personally experienced sexual molestation, or knows of someone who has. With an estimated 1 out of 3 women and 1 out of 5 men experiencing an assault before adulthood, the chances are likely that you fall into one of these categories; I know that I do.

Author Stephanie Jones is a survivor of numerous sexual assaults spanning the years from ages 5 - 13. She is eminently qualified to write on the subject of child abuse and its effects. Having experienced the chaotic, destructive cycle created by the trauma of her abuse that was only stopped when she turned to God for help; Jones delivers her message with deep compassion and love.

Unlike many, she shoots from the hip and calls things as they are. Most abuse takes place within the family or with those close to the family, the vast majority goes unreported - not only to the authorities but to anyone who could help. She breaks the silence and kicks in the doors to peer into all of the dark, hidden places. It's only when the light shines into the darkness that the truth will reveal itself and healing can begin and that's just what Jones achieves in her book.

Her work on sexual abuse is both intimate and comprehensive. While not exploring any topic in depth, she briefly covers all aspects of abuse: her story, signs of abuse, prevention, statistics, consequences, personal sharing from others, the path to healing and resources.

With a heart focused upon female victims of abuse most of her revelations are specific to girls who have been victimized by men - by far the most common form of abuse in our society. However, Jones does not avoid the possibilities of abuse by female perpetrators, recognizes male victims and reaches out to perpetrators with the possibility of hope and forgiveness in the future. Jones after all realizes that the title of her book holds two meanings. The enemy between her legs was flesh and blood, but her true enemy was incorporeal - the enemy of her soul and that of her assaulter.

While Jones is well aware of the destructive nature of sin and the redemptive, healing power of God this is not a work to be avoided due to its spiritual nature. Some on the other side of the spectrum may find her use of graphic yet non-erotic language unacceptable and avoid her book for a different reason. Yet with so many hurting men and women who have been affected by this crime, hers is a vitally important message.

The Enemy Between My Legs should be widely read; by parents, those working with children, those with abused loved ones, those who have been abused and those who judge victims of abuse - I can't think of a single individual who would not benefit from reading this title. If necessary look past the faith aspects (though I believe them to be a valuable addition), grit your teeth and read through the horrifying descriptions of abuse - chances are you or a loved one needs this book.

I have been touched by her words and transparent, vulnerable honesty. I've re-examined my life, my actions, my words to victims and my judgments of those whose situations I do not fully understand. I've been impacted and changed by this deeply personal offering and can't wait to share it with others.