Hush: Moving From Silence to Healing After Childhood Sexual Abuse [Paperback]

Nicole Braddock Bromley (Author)

Book Description

Release date: June 1, 2007

Childhood sexual abuse is running rampant, yet it's the best kept secret in our nation today. Its victims grow into adulthood with their little child's heart trapped in the pain and torment of their past. Nicole Braddock Bromley shares her own story and the steps to moving from silence to healing. Hush exposes the harsh realities of childhood abuse, explains the pain it causes, examines the false beliefs it creates, and empowers survivors to begin a personal journey toward healing by breaking the silence.

With words of understanding and comfort, Nicole tells the real-life stories of those whose voices would otherwise never be heard. She is straightforward enough to pierce the hearts of those in a survivor's circle of influence, yet careful to tread lightly on what could be tender words.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Nicole's book Hush is honest and takes a much-needed look at an issue that has been quiet for far too long.  I know so many people will benefit from reading this book.
-Craig Gross, Founder of XXXchurch.com

For those who are searching for hope and help, Nicole gently leads them to the only true Source of Healing, the Lord Jesus Christ.  Her life story and the message of this book accentuate how someone's courage, honesty, forgiveness, and trust--as well as counseling and close relationships--all have their place along the journey.  Nicole uses her story and the accounts of others she has met along the way to weave together insights of how God reaches into places where the deepest, darkest secrets are hidden and says, "You no longer have to hush."  This is a well-balanced and sensitively written resource for survivors and those who want to help them.
-Dr. Edee Schulze, Dean of Student Life, Wheaton College

For over 30 years I have worked with many people, from child molesters to survivors to victims of priest/clergy abuse most recently.  And still I wonder and ask why the Christian community is so reluctant to address this profound need in our world.  What Nicole Braddock Bromley does for survivors of childhood sexual abuse in Hush is what Jesus Himself did for the mute--gives them back their voice.  Her courage and honesty that flow from these pages provide hope for God's hurting and wounded children.  Nicole's insights on spiritual healing reveal a wisdom far beyond her years.
-Victoria Kepler Didato, Director of Child Sexual Abuse Institute of Ohio

Hush is so much more than a compelling account of one woman's journey into wholeness.  This book provides a genuine education for victims, their families, and those who want to help them.  Hush is a model of healing as it frees the wounded of the stigmatization that so often comes with sexual abuse.  The book effectively addresses issues of faith, of intimate relationships, and offers practical advice for those who want to tell someone about their victimization.  This fine book debunks the false and dangerous notions that abuse does not occur in Christian homes.  I wish everyone would read this book!
-Elizabeth Dermody Leonard, PhD, Professor of sociology, Vanguard University

From the Back Cover

You were only a child when you learned adult things.
You felt sad and confused when they said it was your fault.
You never told anyone.

You were always told to hush. Until now.

Survivors of childhood sexual abuse can be found in every corner of society. Yet this shocking reality is blanketed by silence. Author Nicole Braddock Bromley is one such survivor, but she hasn't kept silent. And she's here to help you heal.

Written by someone who has believed the lies and felt the shame, Hush doesn't leave you to deal with your abuse alone. Nicole draws deeply from "the Source of all comfort" using stories from other survivors to help you:

- Break the silence
- Realize it's not your fault
- Forgive those who hurt you
- Make a difference

The words of Hush are fuel for healthy relationships. They reveal how intimacy can trigger issues from the past and how to overcome these barriers to love. As Nicole writes, "Sexual abuse isn't about sex.  It's about power and control."  Don't let your abuser wield this power any longer.  You deserve to be believed.  You deserve to heal. 

May the silence be broken.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Moody Publishers; New Edition edition (June 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080244864X
• ISBN-13: 978-0802448644
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 0.6 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (59 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #83,291 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Nicole Braddock Bromley is the author of Hush and founder and director of OneVOICE Enterprises, an organization that is bringing healing change into the lives of victims of sexual abuse. Nicole and her husband, Matthew, live in Columbus, Ohio. For more information visit www.OneVOICEenterprises.com.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Find your Voice June 17, 2007

By K. Givens

Format:Paperback

HUSH! is a very touching, warm and honest account of childhood sexual abuse and the path to recovery. Through finding her own VOICE, Nicole created HUSH! as a way to reach out to anyone who has suffered childhood sexual abuse. This book is a must-read for sufferers who are still searching for their own voice or those who have found their voice and need guidance down their path. It is also a critical book for non-sufferers, exposing a difficult topic that demands the attention of everyone. Nicole's journey blends sincere understanding of despair with a heartfelt message of recovery, it was a terrific book.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Uniquely unique June 11, 2007

By Anna Maria

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

There really isn't another book out there like "Hush". Written from the perspective of a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, "Hush" not only offers everyone a glimpse into the world of victims and survivors, it empowers readers to break the silence and pursue healing. "Hush" dispels the common myth that abuse doesn't happen in "respectable, loving Christian families" without writing off the help and healing that can be found in religious communities. Bromley asserts that "sexual abuse is the best-kept secret in our nation today," and her courage to break the silence is inspiring for those of us who have survived other things too.

Whether you are a survivor, know a survivor, or think sexual abuse isn't a huge problem, this book is a must read.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, someone really understands October 5, 2007

By bee

Format:Paperback

i have read many, many books and articles on this topic. Not because I "enjoy" the topic, but because it is a healing tool for me, and I must say that NO OTHER book or article out there compares to this book. Other books, etc. are rather filled with "fluff"-extra words, fancy explanations, etc. Nicole does an extraordinary job of conveying the true feelings of the consequences of childhood sexual abuse. Although it saddens me for anyone to have to understand what I went through, it also validates so many of my emotions. I love the way this book has scriptural references in it, bc I am a firm believer in the healing powers of Jesus Christ. He has been my ultimate saving grace throughout my entire life, especially during this healing journey the past few years. I have never written a review before, but I had to register to do so because I am such a firm believer in this powerful book. (I read over half of it in one night!!) I also had to get my highlighter and begin to highlight the most interesting points-and I must say that there are many sections in my book that are now a bright yellow!!!
Thank you, Nicole, for being you. I admire your courage, and I hope to one day find my "voice".
Until then, God Bless.