Cec said, “I didn’t face up to the reality of my sexual abuse until I hit 50. The hurt and damage of the past finally broke through—slowly and with fragmented memories. Later I spoke with one of my sisters, who confirmed many of those painful memories.”
After Cec began to deal with his childhood sexual abuse, he felt he needed to share his story, especially with other survivors. One of the things he often says is, “I know of myself only what I say of myself.” As long as he kept the abuse a secret, he still wasn’t free. But as he shared his experiences and what he had learned as a survivor, people resonated with those words, and he experienced healing.
He didn’t plan to make abuse a phase of his ministry, but the responses and the incredible needs pushed him to become more public. As he became open with his story, it encouraged others to speak out and free themselves from pain.
Cec tried for six years to get a book published on the topic of sexual abuse, but the industry wasn’t ready for it. Finally, Kregel Publications took the risk and published When a Man You Love Was Abused: A Woman’s Guide to Helping Him Overcome Childhood Sexual Molestation in 2010. That opened the doors for other authors to get their books published on the topic.
He also wrote a blog for male survivors for several years, spoke and interviewed on the topic, and wrote articles. Kregel Publications published two follow-up books as well, Not Quite Healed: 40 Truths for Male Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse and More Than Surviving: Courageous Meditations for Men Hurting from Childhood Abuse.
Books for Survivors
When a Man You Love Was Abused: A Woman’s Guide to Helping Him Overcome Childhood Sexual Molestation
For all women who know and love a survivor of sexual assault, best-selling author Cecil Murphey has penned an honest and forthright book about surviving―and thriving―despite past abuses. Both informative and highly practical, Murphey helps women understand the continuing problems that abuse survivors may encounter, including hurtful memories, issues of self- worth, and the need to feel in control. With sensitivity and encouragement, Murphey then explains what women can do to help bring about healing and forgiveness. Written with the empathy that only a true survivor can convey, When a Man You Love Was Abused is a timely piece of advice and encouragement.
Not Quite Healed: 40 Truths for Male Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
How are sexual abuse survivors to overcome the challenges they are sure to face? Finding strength in community with other survivors is one key to recovery. In Not Quite Healed, survivors Cecil Murphey and Gary Roe join forces to share insight and encouragement on the issues that challenge them most. After a candid discussion about each issue, the authors provide a self-affirming statement that men can study, memorize, and recite on their darkest days.
More Than Surviving: Courageous Meditations for Men Hurting from Childhood Abuse
Many survivors of childhood abuse think of themselves as defective, flawed, and worthless. A survivor himself, Cecil Murphey is familiar with the shame and brokenness that can come from abuse. He also knows there is hope, not only for surviving but for flourishing. Through these vulnerable, honest, and courageous meditations, Murphey helps men face their pain and to grow from the experience—and past it. His transparency affirms his readers and assures them they are not alone. Here, men will discover guidance, encouragement, and practical advice on how to live victoriously.
In this video, Cec tells his abuse story and answers questions from the audience.