ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book presents many deeply felt countertransference reactions. It examines carefully how a child may attempt to deal with the trauma of having been abused, probably sexually, by in turn becoming an abuser. The book describes how to help the child who feels used and abused and the need to become more knowledgeable of different ways of helping such children. It focuses on the abuse of a child who is not physically or sexually abused but does not exist for his parents and therefore for himself. The book addresses legal aspects from the point of view of a judge charged with protecting the child and assessing the evidence, and although it is from the Italian model it is likely to have many points that are widely applicable.
