In this revised and expanded second edition of Hush Hush, DeShannon Bowens revisits her insightful interviews with the Peterson family. Bowens makes a compelling case that intergenerational healing from sexual abuse cannot happen in Black communities without releasing shame-based sexuality narratives from the past. Hush Hush, stresses the importance of empowered sexuality narratives and communication within families as a key component in preventing and ending child sexual abuse.
Through ILERA, DeShannon has implemented workshops and programs at various agencies focusing on sexuality & spirituality, healing from sexual abuse, vicarious trauma, and wellness. She is the author of Hush Hush: An African American Family Breaks Their Silence on Sexuality & Sexual Abuse and a contributing scholar for the State of Formation. DeShannon is also a member of an Interfaith initiative to help faith communities prevent child sexual abuse in New York City. She has a well-rounded collection of work.
