Anatomy of a Scapegoat

About the Book

This book examines the role in a family system as the scapegoat. What a scapegoat is, how the role develops in childhood and later the impact in adult life. This story perpetuates the malignency of long standing abuse, humiliation and degradation of a young girl growing up in an alcoholic environment and later as a troubled adult. This is also a story of redemption, on the road to recovery and a candid look at childhood trauma and its correlation with later domestic violence. Further, a look at the batterer in the case of child custody and his exploitation of the scapegoat role is introduced. Additionally, the impact of substance abuse on children and later, as adults presenting with stress disorders is explored. The importance of a spiritual life is discussed as an avenue in the treatment of Post traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse and dual diagnosis is considered. The twelve step model of recovery is offered as is the importance of therapeutic intervention in dual diagnosis. A candid look at the impact on children living with the scapegoat is also presented.

About the Author

Cassandra grew up in California. She attended all Catholic Schools until age 18, where she went off to college in Florida, majoring in Human Development and she graduated at the honors level. Later she attended graduate school and was a Master's Candidate in Special Education. Casandra also worked as a Special Education Instructor for the Head Start Program in Florida. Later, majoring in Forensic Psychology in a Master's Degree program at Walden University Cassandra also interned for the police department in the projects. Cassandra gave birth to two daughters, born in Florida in 1994 and 1996. Today Cassandra is retired and living in North Carolina playing with her grandson and writing.