Customer Reviews

The Enemy Between My Legs

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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

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

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.

Courage to come forward in admitting and reporting injustices takes much more than the fabric weaving the crime. Usually there's a deep-seated pall that gnaws intrinsically at you to do the right thing. Author Stephanie L. Jones did it by coming forth and hasn't regretted it. She has a story to tell, and what a story! Intact with a catchy hook for a title - The Enemy Between My Legs, she gives haunting revelations and poignancy describing how she was sexually abused for over seven years, beginning at age five. I was mesmerized and appalled at the details and innuendo that precipitated the whole ordeal. The resulting report helped shaped the mindset and wherewithal to not allow anyone else to experience the same things that she did. What exactly did she face growing up?

Fending for herself without maternal or paternal protection in things normally taken for granted was par for the course, which invariably caused hurt, shame, and embarrassment. Sexual abuse in any form has long-lasting effects and how it affected her is presented pointedly in allowing readers a chance to look through her windows of shame and guilt. I like how the book is two-fold in narrated form, and as a self-help entity. The former is quite emotional and as a parent and/or generic adult, one gets the sense that it could happen to you. The latter takes steps further for application and solution to be aids to guard against the problems. Moreover, this book educates as well as give an inspiring depiction of what can happen under any of the aforementioned scenarios sufficient enough warranting scrutiny beyond surface matters.

The Enemy Between My Legs is a perfect example of how child sexual abuse can be mental and physical in how it creates psychological barriers alerting us on how things can go awry, as well as serving as good parameters and practical premises to move beyond the angst. As such, the author did an excellent job of balancing the topical issues in the book as it is divided into five distinct sections: her explicit story; the plain and simple truth about sexual abuse; examples thereof along with frequently asked question;, healing and wholeness; and finally, help aids and resources that are beneficial to the cause.


After reading this book, it made me aware of the pain and suffering that comes along with how anyone can harbor such shame for years, and not know how the reception would be after going public. We can't ignore prevalent signs or the underlying habits that may prove to be more than what we bargain for if nothing is done to snuff the problems out. I can say honestly that as a man reading this book, I was forced to look at my own behavior as it pertain to how not to put myself in positions where it would be perceived as abusive to the female members of my family, or otherwise. I'm now cognizant of how things can quickly be non-appropriate if allowed to get out of hand, or if on the surface it APPEARS to be an accepted practice while failing to stop when there's a reasonable chance to do so. All men should read this book, and in doing so I would hope and think that we would be better stewards of appropriate behavior patterns that would allow girls the reciprocal respect that we truly can be trusted without abuse! I had no problems rating it five out of five stars.

The Enemy Between My Legs is packed full of wisdom, encouragement, and lessons learned. If you haven't been molested, you will gain insight into the mind of someone who was sexually abused. It will change the way you think. If you were a victim of incest or sexual abuse then this book will help you heal. It's well written, very interesting, practical, and encouraging. There is some graphic content, but not a lot. Frankly, I think some of it is necessary to wake up the sleeping parents out there who are too trusting and need to read about what is happening in the real world.

I've studied sexual abuse in families going back to the late 1980s and have worked with victims, perpetrators and spouses of perpetrators for about twenty years. I can assure you that Ms. Jones has done her research and as a professional I can testify that her facts are correct. I hope you will step forward and commit to learning about this scourge on our society and commit to protecting the kids in our churches, families, and neighborhoods.

The Enemy between My Legs

This book dealt with a Promiscuous young lady reaching out for attention
due to past childhood experiences. The Author Stephanie lets you Know this can happen to anyone. Stephanie the Author also explains how sharing her own story and revealing the truth has helped her in the healing process.

While reading this book my mind was racing at all times about the past and the future. Readers will have all kinds of thought as well.

This book will have you thinking about who you allow your kids to Spend time with. When you have kids you have to teach them, listen to them and pay attention to them. If they think you are nosy so what. Before you send your children to another babysitter, play certain games or before you let your children spend the night anywhere stop and think. This is a must read!!!

I suggest that if you or anyone has been abused and in a relationship dealing with feeling that your partners don't understand. This is a book for you! They will have a better understanding.

Stephanie L. Jones asks questions like example have you ever been sexually abused? It's a simple, yet profound question. The answer is either yes or no. This one question will have you opening that closet door sorting through the past you wanted to forget.

Do you think abuse hasn't happened in your family? Think again! Have you or someone you know been sexually promiscuous? Do you feel lonely, confused, or depressed and wonder why? Do you have problems being Intimate with your spouse? This book and testimony will help to heal and deliver anyone that has encountered this experience.

The Enemy Between my Legs is a very interesting title for this book.
Stephanie L. Jones wrote a self help book: This book will open your eyes on abuse and it will teach you the warning sign of spotting abuse wheater it is physical, mental or sexual abuse.

Mary Kendricks (Meme) Readers Paradise

Stephanie opens her life and her story to the reader. She is candid and honest. She lifts the veil on the abuse she suffered and the way it impacted her life. I learned a lot by reading her book. I learned about effects and misconceptions. I learned about impact. People who are the victims of sexual abuse can show the effects in so many ways. This book outlines most of them. Sexual promiscuity is an example of the aftermath of sexual abuse. This may seem surprising to some, because you would think that if someone was forced to do things when they were young they would probably be afraid to engage in sexual activity and become a prude. For some that may be the response. I know from experiences with friends that it is definitely not the rule. Though it is not always an easy read because of the painful subject matter. You can see that there is a way out of the bad and into the good, because Stephanie has been there. She bravely shares a story in a candid way and does not give in to shame but to strength. Truth is told as it needs to be told. More than once I pointed out things she said to my husband. So much truth!

<em>I learned about the story of Lisa and Elizabeth. It pained me to read about the abuse that these women suffered. It was painful. Their stories were told without being so graphic that it would be crude yet had enough detail for a reader to know this is serious. Really serious.

This is a book that I think can help someone take a step to healing, another person can take a step to helping someone else, and there is also that important step of protecting your own. This is so very important to me. Guard your children. That rang clearest to me. Guard your children. Stephanie makes it clear that this is not the victims fault. She talks about forgiveness, and she has actively forgiven showing true strength. I know how that feels. When you allow yourself to forgive with the help of the Lord you are remarkably set free. Being a survivor, myself I know how hard it is to forgive, and how essential it is to moving forward and recovering. There are some great references in here for further study and help. I would and do recommend this book.

This is a must read. This is a great reference tool. This book was the "light bulb" of my life or the ah ha moment I have been looking for. It helped me realize why I do the things that I did and have done. I felt like she took pieces of my life and put them down on paper. This book answered a lot of questions I had. I have a seven year old cousin who I meet for the first time my grandmother had just picked her up from social services. Before my grandmother had the chance to tell me anything about this child I saw the way she interacted with my son and how she was trying to get his attention. Had I not read this book I would not have been able to recognize this child has been molested. I did find out she had been molested by her mom's boyfriend. I would and will recommend this book to any and everyone it doesn't matter if you have or have not been abused. This book may be what you need to recognize a person crying out for help. Now that I have read this book I don't let what people say when they say I am over protected of my children. I now tell them I am just being a mother. I hope you enjoy the book please read it with an open heart and an open mind.

Thanks for having the courage to share your story.
Aryckah
Dallas, TX

"The Enemy Between My Legs" reminds me that it is not about "me", but about Whom we are called to serve. I know that it was not easy for Stephanie Jones to relive a painful part of her past and write this book for all to see. "The Enemy Between My Legs" not only discusses the issues of sexual abuse, but provides avenues towards solutions. I believe that many will be led towards their physical and spiritual healings by reading this book. This book is a must read for all! We all need to be more understanding of people and less quick to judge.

This book had a wealth of information. It's for those who have been abused to let you know that you are not alone, to give you information where to get help, and to offer comfort and support. It's also for the caregivers of children to know what behavior to watch for to know if a child has possibly been in an unsafe situation or have been forced into situations of abuse. Child abuse is a horrible life altering tradegy but you don't have to let it control the rest of your life. There are ways to get help and to help yourself and others. This book will give you the help and information that you need.