ABSTRACT
Valley, California. But on 5 September 1989, Holly Ramona, aged 19, visited a therapist
for treatment for her depression and bulimia. The therapist Marche Isabella told Holly
that sometimes bulimia is a consequence of childhood sexual abuse. Gradually during
the sessions, Holly reported detailed memories of 12 years of horrific abuse that she
had suffered at the hands of her father, Gary Ramona. These revelations split the family
apart, led to a sensational court case and brought into the public eye the concept of
repressed memories. Academics and therapists confronted each other over the evi-
dence – disputes which continue unabated to this day.
