Publisher's description: Donna Rafanello's groundbreaking study of lesbian survivors of childhood sexual abuse is a powerful and critically needed entry in the field of survival and recovery literature. Organized in a manner that provides both healing and important psychological insights, Can't Touch My Soul addresses the endemic feelings of horrible isolation and shame experienced by survivors through the words of 60 women who shared with Rafanello their inspiring stories of recovery. Can't Touch My Soul guides women through the process of recovery, from the earliest stages of remembering the abuse to understanding and ultimately overcoming the coping and defense mechanisms children adapt to survive, and helps them to realize they are not alone and that rewarding and complete lives are possible.