Book excerpt: Healing in the Hurting Places is a personal experience story and outreach for victims of childhood sexual abuse, and those who want to help them. It sensitively focuses on the healing journey—how to recognize symptoms of abuse and offer help. Victims often feel alone, they don’t know where to turn or may believe no one will understand. Author Karen Riley speaks to that place of pain and takes you on the healing journey that transformed her life. “This is not about the tragic event, but about where to go now. I want them to know that they are not alone, and there is One who can heal their broken hearts,” writes the author. Others who will benefit from this story of hope and healing: those affected by alcoholism, drug abuse, domestic, and other physical or verbal abuse—and those who are involved with them. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Many victims share similar characteristics and traits as a result of abuse, which often manifest in the same behavior patterns—Healing in the Hurting Places is a springboard to empowerment and better understanding.