Ending the Silence

* MESSAGE BOARD
* HOME
* DONATIONS
* HOTLINES
* DEFINING ABUSE
* GROWING UP
* SEXUAL ABUSE
* DEPRESSION
* THE HEALING JOURNEY
* GETTING SUPPORT
* LINKS
* ARTICLES (PIECES WRITTEN BY ME)
* MY POETRY
* GODS & GODDESSES OF MYTHOLOGY
* GEM MAGICK
* HERBS
* WICCA
* FAIRIES
* SUPERSTITIONS
* ART WITH WORDS
* DISCOVERING DRAGONS
* ANCIENT BELIEFS

The abuse was never our fault! We never asked for it, wanted it, or needed it. It was done to us!

If you have visited this site before then you know that its appearance has changed yet again. I love to hear what you about the changes to the site, if you like them, or prefer the older look, and if you are new, well then you have little to compair this new look with, but in neither case, I hope you enjoy the site and thank you for stopping bye.

Been battered and bruised,
Been lost in the darkness,
Drowning in the sea of sorrow,
But here I am still standing,
Still seeking and striving
To stand tall.

Click on any of the areas listed below to visit those pages. Thank you.

"Standing in the shadows, trapped in the closet, a family skeleton, a dirty little secret, but it doesn't have to be that way?"

The Different Therapy Styles and Theoretical Orientations

What type of therapist do you need?

Choosing a counselor/therapist

Partners/Supporters of Survivors of Child Abuse

Support Groups

10 Steps to protect yourself online

How to help? (Friend or Family)

Sources for you (supporter/partner) to receive support

Support groups

Under the cover of darkness my stepfather would creep into my room, invading my body and shattering myself. How it always seemed to be a nightmare I couldn't escape from, couldn't flee from for there was no where to go, no one to tell. I was trapped in isloation, and feeling so very much alone. For I had believed there was something wrong with me, yet the truth of the matter there was nothing wrong with me, since what he was doing was wrong, but I didn't know thay as a child. I didn't know that not everyone lived like this, with their father figure molesting and raping them and upon discovering this fact, it didn't change the fact that I didn't know how to end what was happening. There was so much to weight, and how I feared I would rip my family apart, and hurt my mother. The bottom line came when I found myself staring at death or life, and I choose life, shattering the secret and ending the silence. It was the first step toward healing, ending the isloation and the silence.

Essentially, the very nature of child abuse is clouded in silence
and isolation. The abuser needs, supports, and encourages silence and isolation, otherwise he/her couldn't continue to abuse. As long as the silence lurks, and one remains quiet, the abuse has more power and influence over one's life. Yet, it isn't easy to break the thread of silence, to take that step toward telling someone about the abuse, and it is essentially to healing to do so.

Child abuse is extremely difficult to heal from in isolation. No
matter how committed you are to healing if you remain unable to talk about then your healing will be hampered. Yet, what is the first step? How do you begin to tell someone? Well, usually the first person one begins to tell is a counselor or therapist, and yet how does one find a good therapist or counselor? How does one go about getting support?

Keep in mind that it is essential to have at least one person you
can share your pain and healing  with. The person should be someone ou are comfortable with and trust. No matter who it is, remember isolation and silence is  where the abuse occurred and thrive. By talking about it, the power it has over you will lessen for sharing means having it validity, understood, and knowing that you are being heard.

The first time I had told about the sexual abuse I was enduring was more by chance then truly a plan to tell. I believe unconsiously I wanted too, even though I was still very much fearful of telling. I had been fifiteen years old and had a English teacher who required us to write in a journal at the beginning of each class and at the end of class the journal was turned into her. The night before I had had a nightly visit from my stepfather, and I wrote something like this in my journal:

Last night I laid in bed, wrapped in my blankets when father came into my room. He pulled the blankets from me, removing my clothes, and he touched me.

It had been a simple paragraph on the page, and after I written it, I had torn the page from the book, and rewrote what I had written without that paragraph. the problem was I had left the torn page inside the journal when I turned it in. Thus, it was the beginning of my healing journey, and the end of the sexual abuse occurring.

I remember the first time I walked into a counselor's office. I was terrified, unable to speak a word to this virtual stranger, unable to voice what had happened to me. The abuse seemed to horrible to be placed into words, but with encouragement and guidance she allowed me tell my story in my own way. It began with me writing in a journal everyday, for which she would read what I had written, and then we would talk about it. At the beginning it wasn't my choice to even be there for it had been court ordered, but with time I knew I needed to be there, it was my first outlet, my way of telling my story and feeling that I was being listened too and understood. Slowly, I found my voice, reaching the point where I felt comfortable telling my tale, believing my tale, and knowing that I had a right to the way I felt, and what I was going through.

No matter who you choose to listen to you, you must be able to speak openly with them, to trust them, and feel comfortable with, knowing they are not judging you. The first step isn't easy, and one you may feel extrememly uncomfortable with, but it is a very important step. It is very important to break the silence and end the isolation.

Source of nformation is: http://www.fmpweb.com/trn/TheoryTips.html) 
* Adlerian/Individual Psychology
Based on the belief that all human behavior has a purpose and is goal-oriented, that we strive for social connectedness, and that we suffer our emotional difficulties due to feelings of inferiority and not having a sense of community.

* Art Therapy
Use of art and creativity as a way to get at deeper feelings and greater self-knowledge. Based on the belief that accessing the more creative or right-brain part of us is helpful in identifying what is going on emotionally and can be a part of the healing process.

* Behavioral
Founded on the belief that true change and movement towards goals is accomplished through action and that disorders are learned ways of behaving that are maladaptive. If we can learn to change our behavior, then our thoughts, feelings, and attitudes will also change. Common behavioral techniques include systematic desensitization (gradual exposure to an anxiety-provoking situation paired with relaxation), using reinforcements for desired behaviors, and aversion therapy to extinguish unwanted behaviors.

* Biofeedback
Use of electronic systems to monitor internal processes such as heart rate, brain waves, or perspiration to help an individual become aware of their physiological responses and learn to have more control over them.

* Christian/Bible-based
Counseling is founded on what is written in the Bible. Based on the belief that Scripture is the final authority for what kinds of decisions a person should make or how they should live their life.

* Client-Centered
Clients are believed to be in the best position to resolve their
issues if the therapist can establish a warm, accepting, and safe
environment in which the individual feels free to talk about his/her
issues and can gain insight into them. This type of therapy is non-directive because the therapist typically does not give advice or make interpretations.This is the type of therapy that is commonly used and sought by suvivors and those dealing with problems in their lives.

* Cognitive
Therapy is based on the belief that faulty thinking patterns and
belief systems cause psuchological problems and that changing our thoughts improves our mental and emotional health and results in changes in behavior.

* Dream Analysis
Process of determining the meanings of dreams through symbols,
myths, free association, and memories.

* EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing)
Technique of restructuring thought patterns and associations related to traumatic events and memories and other sources of emotional distress.

* Existential
A philosophy of life, rather than a specific therapy, which focuses
on free will, responsibility for choices, and search for meaning and
purpose through suffering, love, and work. People are seen as
constantly changing and becoming their true selves.

* Family Systems
Therapy which looks at the entire family as a complex system having its own language, roles, rules, beliefs, needs, and patterns. Each family member plays a part in the system and family systems therapy helps an individual discover how their family operated, their role in the system, and how it affects them in their current family and in relationships outside the family.

* Feminist Therapy
A therapy which focuses on empowering women and helping women discover how to break free from some of the traditional molds that they may feel are blocking their growth and development. Feminist therapy tends to be more focused on strengthening women in areas such as communication, assertiveness, self-esteem, and relationships.

* Gestalt
Experiential therapy emphasizing what is happening in the here and now to help individuals become more self-aware and learn
responsibility for and integration of thoughts, feelings, and
actions. A goal is to develop more internal vs. external support.

* Jungian
The focus of therapy is to help individuals access more of their
inner world (unconscious) and develop greater self-realization and
individuation.

* Psychoanalytic
Based on the belief that true change and growth comes from an
individual becoming more self-aware by bringing unconscious
thoughts, motivations, feelings, and experiences into the conscious so that behavior is based more on reality than instinct.

* RET (Rational Emotive Therapy)
Based on the belief that our emotions result from our beliefs,
interpretations, and reactions to life events. A type of cognitive
therapy based more on thinking and doing than with the expression of feelings.

* TA (Transactional Analysis)
Interactions with others and communication styles are seen as coming from three states: the parent, adult, and child and the different types of ways those three parts of our personality communicate within ourselves and with others.

Essentially, what is important is that you have a counselor or
therapist that you are comfortable with, agreeing to their styles of
therapy, for their are many different styles and probably more then the few I have included here. Bottom line is to choose one that you are happy with and trust, but the common one that most people use and go to is the Client-Centered, and that is the style that will mainly be disccussed here, but that doesn't mean that the other styles are less helpful or more useful, only that this is the most common, and some of the same tips for these can be applied to the others.

(Source of this information is: Therapist referral
network:http://www.fmpweb.com/trn/ChooseTips.html)

There exist many different types of therapist and counselors with different educational backgrounds. It is important to choose an licensed therapist/counselor that fits your needs and desires.

* Psychiatrists are medical doctors and can prescribe medication. Very few psychiatrists also provide psychotherapy but usually refer to and work in conjunction with other psychotherapists.

* Psychologists usually have a Doctorate in Psychology and have completed an internship under supervision.

* Counselors usually have a Master's degree in Counseling and have completed an internship under supervision. (In most cases, counslors have an area of speciality.)

* Clinical Social Workers typically have a Master's degree in Social Work and have completed a supervised internship.

* Other types of licensed professionals include Marriage and Family Counselors and Chemical Dependency Counselors.

The basic differences between therapist and counselors is their level of education, experience, internships and their style of assisting their clients. The bottom line is finding one that you like, feel comfortable with, and fits your needs.

Be willing to put in a fair amount of effect in finding a counselor/therapist. You don't have to commit to the first person
you see. Ask for recommendationa from friends, other survivors, or family members. You can also to go battered women's shelters, rape crisis centers, parents' centers, and other women's programs as well as using online therapist network sites for referrals. You can screen the counselor/therapist first by calling them and asking questions. Once you have narrowed your choices down then visit the counselor/therapist. Keep looking until you find one that fits your needs and that you are comfortable with.

Common questions to ask

* What are your credentials and training?
* What are your areas of expertise and specialization?
* What specific training do you have in your areas of
specialization?
* Are you on the provider list for my insurance plan?
* What is your standard fee? How long are sessions? Do you have a sliding fee scale? Are fees different for individual, couples, or group therapy?
* How many clients have you worked with that have had similar issues to mine? How did you work with them and how did it help?
* Are you in good standing with your licensing board? Has anyone ever made a complaint against you? If so, how was it resolved?
* Do you receive your own supervision, consultation, or therapy from a professional?
* Where did you go to graduate school and where did you do your
internship?
* How long have you been in private practice?
* What are your beliefs about how therapy should work? What do you do during sessions and what do you expect from a client during and between sessions?
* How can I contact you in an emergency?

Guidelines to keep in mind when you are evaluating a potential
counselor/therapist: (Source for the information below is "The
Courage to Heal" by Ellen Bass & Laura Davis)

* Never minimizes your experience or pain
* Has information about the healing process
* Keeps the focus on you, not on your abuser
* Gives you room to explore your own history without defining it for you
* Doesn't push for reconciliation or forgiveness
* Doesn't have a freindship with you outside of counseling
* Doesn't talk about his/her personal problems
* Doesn't have a sexual relationship with you now, or in the future
* Fully respects your feelings
* Doesn't force you to do anything you don't want to do
* Encourages you to build a support system outside of counseling
* Encourages your contact with other survivors
* Teaches you skills to take care of yourself
* Is willing to discuss problems that occur in the therapy
relationship
* Is accountable for mistakes that he/she makes

Don't be afraid to ask questions, to be active in your own care. There may be issues that are important to you that you would like to focus on, the only exceptions are if you are suicidal or threatening to hurt someone else. If you are disclosing information about being abused, the therapist is mandated to report that abuse, whether you want to or not, but many will assist you to become strong enough to report the abuse yourself. Many survivors prefer to work with women because they feel safer and feel more comfortable discussing intitimate feelings with a woman, but it is up to you on what gender you prefer. If you have specialized needs then be sure to have a counselor/therapist who knows about those needs and understands them, for example if you are dealing with eating disorders you may want one that deals with eating disorders.

Once you have chosen a therapist/counselor or at least have narrowed it down, ask yourself:
* Whom did you feel the strongest connection with?
* Where were you at ease?
* Did the person respond well with you?

Again, choose the one that is best suited for you, the one you are at ease with.

Signs of having a problem with your counselor/therapist

* Don't feel respected, valued, or understood
* Your experience is being minimized or distorted
* You feel that there is something wrong, or you get upset/anger at your counselor easily
* Counselor acts defensive ot discounts your feelings
* Being pressured to say you were abused (No one can tell you that you were abused but you!)
* Counselor pressures you into having a sexual relationship. (If this occurs get a way quickly, and report the person to the
licensing board in you area.)

The important aspects in your relationship with your
counselor/therapist is how you feel. You need to trust yourself and your instincts. I know that this may be difficult since you were programed not to trust your instincts, gut feelings, and perceptions, but it is very important that you do. It is very important to have a comfortable relationship with your counselor/therapist in order to progress in your healing jounrey for one's counselor/therapist is the first step in receiving support. Yet, in never hurts to have other network of support as well, and one way to do this is to join support groups.

Ideal Support:

I burst into tears, collapsing on the conch, not understanding my
tears. I feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and confused, knowing what I
should be doing. I should be doing my household chores, and yet, I
lack the energy to perform them. With tears on my cheek I look up at
my husband standing beside me.

"What's wrong?" He softly asks, sitting down beside me and cradling
my head in his arms.

"Nothing" I mumble. I hear the familiar sigh of frustration. I brace
myself for the questions he will ask. I know that he doesn't
understand. I am not sure I understand myself.

My nerves on end, I wait for to badge me into telling him something.
I search my mind for some reason I can tell him for my tears, but I
com up empty. He surprises me, and sits there cradling me. Softly,
he whispers, "I love you and everything is alright."

I find my tears coming faster, but I find myself snuggling in his
embrace, feeling safe and loved. I know that he wishes I could
explain my tears, that I could talk to him, but at the same time he
respects and loves me enough to just hold me, to be there for me.
Sometimes that is all I want and need from him.

Reality:

"What's wrong?" He softly asks, sitting down beside me and cradling
my head in his arms.

"Nothing" I mumble. I hear the familiar sigh of frustration. I brace
myself for the questions he will ask. I know that he doesn't
understand. I am not sure I understand myself.

My nerves on end, I wait for to badge me into telling him something.
I search my mind for some reason I can tell him for my tears, but I
com up empty

"I know something is wrong! I don't understand why you can't talk to
me." He snaps, moving away from me. I watch him, wanting to tell,
but how can I when I am not even sure myself.

"You're always doing this! I just don't get it!" Again he barks,
wanting something from me, but I just can't give it to him.

I find my tears coming faster and I bury my face into the cushions
of the conch as he rants and raves about the state of the house. I
know it is only his own frustration, and his own feelings of
helplessness, but I don't know how to help him, how to set him at
rest. He finally, storms away from me heading upstairs.

Essentially, both scenarios from above could occur, and both are
normal reactions to situations, for it isn't easy for the survivor
or the supporter to handle emotional outbursts. A relationship with
a survivor (especially sexual abuse) who is actively healing can be
a challenge. Yet, being apart of the healing process has the
potential for tremendous growth and intimacy. At the same, the
partner/supporter can be feeling conflicted, overwhelmed, resentful,
frightened, confused, unsure of what to do, how to feel, or what to
expect. All of these are normal and natural feelings to have.

It is important that you as a supporter/partner take care of
yourself. You must take care of your own needs, and admit to the
survivor that you can not meet all of her/his needs, and encourage
her/him to call upon other resources. Dealing with such raw emotions
can be difficult and straining, be sure to take breaks, and have a
place to express your own frustrations, but always be honest with
the survivor.

Most survivors first support is their counselor/therapist, but it is also important to developing a network of support and to have interaction with other survivors. A positive way to have contract with other survivors is to join a support group. "Group work is particualrly useful for dealing with shame, isolation, secrecy, and self-esteem." Speaking with other survivors is helpful in solving problems, hearing others views from those who have been there, and assisting others yourself. It is a boost to ones ego knowing that you assisted someone else, building confidence in yourself.

In today's society, one has choices as to what kind of support group one can become involved in. One can join a local support group run by a counselor/therapist or without, where each member takes a turn leading the group. One can also join a group that is focused on a particular topic. Usually local groups have specific times and dates where they meet, and yet what if the local meetings are not possible, or if they are, but you don't feel comfortable with the groups, is there still a means of joining a group? The answer is yes, for there are many online support groups. Online support groups mainly have two formats, one in which you visit their sites and post
on their message boards, or the other is an email based community where you receive daily or weekly emails. The bottom line is to have a group that you feel comfortable with, happy with and feel supported.

I have been a part of online communities for a number of years, and even hosted a forum myself. I find them very supportive and helpful. I have developed a number of online friendships through these supports, but keep in mind that a first priority is to your well being and your safety.

Soucre: http://www.thirdage.com/insider/tech/molly/928966305-6.html 
1. Use a Nickname
If you don't want others to know who you really, start by creating accounts for yourself under pseudonyms. Use your nickname when in chat, and always sign emails, forum and newsgroup messages using the nickname rather than your own name.

2. Research Privacy Policies on Web Sites
Before you give any personal information to a company, find out what, if any, privacy policy they have. Many reputable companies will have a privacy policy. Don't do business wherever you feel there might be a problem. ThirdAge's privacy policy includes not spamming our community members with unrequested information.

3. Decline Offers for Email Newsletters and Products
A frequent practice of commercial companies is to offer you the choice of having your name made available to their mailing lists. Wherever you see this, you can choose to not receive promotional offers. Choose "yes" if you trust the organization and are interested in what they have to offer. Otherwise, feel free to say "no."

4. Visit Search Directories and Look Up Your Name
If you find information about yourself in an online database that makes you uncomfortable, request that your personal information be removed.

5. Find Out: What Public Records About You Are Available Online?
If you are a homeowner in the U.S., your address might be freely available to anyone who cares to look it up. Other records, including Social Security, marriage, birth, divorce, and death certificates are available on many people, too. The problem here is that federal law in the U.S. protects the right of government agencies to publish this kind of information. Now that much of it is online--it's also very easy to access. Short of putting your property into a trust, you might find great frustration while trying to secure your privacy with these types of public records. If you have a specific reason to be concerned about records of this nature being freely available, talk to your attorney.

6. Get a P.O. Box
Attach your pseudonym to a box at a post office. This way, you can fill out forms and receive all of your computer-related mail separately and safely away from your home.

7. Consider Using Privacy Software
There are a broad range of filtering devices that can be used for emailing and surfing anonymously. Visit your favorite search engine and enter the keywords "anonymous email" and "anonymous surfing" to find long lists of tools.

8. Learn More About Privacy Rights
You are afforded rights in the privacy game!

9. Learn How to Fight Online Deceptions
Check out these organizations devoted to fighting online deceptions: 
Web Police: http://www.web-police.org/
An organization devoted to fighting illegal online behavior. Includes links to resources such as online scams and child-safe sites.

CyberAngels:
http://www.cyberangels.org/
A "cyber-neighborhood watch" program, to protect children online.

Internet Abusers:
http://chanabuse.ftn.org/
An organization that lists stalkers on IRC (Internet Relay Chat).

10. Use Your Instinct
Listening to your inner voice is extremely important--if something doesn't feel right, better to err on the side of safety! Many authorities on privacy believe that it is up to you rather than government and law enforcement agencies to protect yourself, your parents, and your children.  Be informed, listen to your instincts, and the odds are you will never have a problem resulting from issues surrounding privacy and identity.

To find support groups, all one has to do is use any search engine and numereous groups will appear, but do a little reseach and find one that you feel comfortable and fits your needs. It is important to protect youself.

Online Safety for Survivors
Source: http://incestabuse.about.com/library/weekly/aa063001.htm?
terms=online+safety

When a survivor tells you she/he has been abused they are entrusting you with a part of her life that is painful, frightening, and vulnerable. Here are a few guidelines that can assist you:

� Believe the survivor. Even if he/she has doubts themselves, or
what he/she tells seems to extreme to believe, for rarely does
anyone make of stories of being abused.
� Join with the survivor in validating the damage. All abuse is
harmful, even if it's not violent, overtly physical or repeated, all
abuse has consequences.
� Be clear that the abuse is never the child's fault.
� Educate yourself about child abuse and the healing process.
� Don't sympathize with the abuser.
� Validate the survivor's feelings: her/his pain, anger, and fear.
� Express your compassion.
� Respect the time and space it takes to heal. Healing is a slow
process that can't be hurried.
� Encourage the survivor to get support.
� Get help if the survivor is suicidal. Most survivors are not
suicidal, but sometimes the pain of childhood abuse is so
devastating that they might want to kill themselves to it the
suffering. Don't try to handle it alone, but seek help for the
survivor.
� Accept that there will very likely be major changes in your
relationships with the survivor has she/he heals.
� Resist seeing the survivor has a victim.

For more in-depth information for partners, I recommend "Allies in Healing: When the person you love was sexually abused as a child" by Laura Davis or any of these publication/books can assist you and probably others that are on the market. 
* What about me? A guide for men helping female partners deal with childhood sexual abuse" by Grant Cameron
* "Partners in recovery: How mates, lovers, & other pro-survivors
can learn to support and cope with adult survivors of childhood
sexual abuse" by Beverly Engel
* "Outgrowing the pain together: A book for partners and spouses of  adults abused as children" by Eliana Gil
* "Getting the love you want: A guide for couples" by Harville
Hendrix
* "The dance of anger: A woman's guide to changing patterns in
intimate relationships" by Harriet Lerner

Don't take it personally

"Intimacy is a paradoxical in relationships, especially if the
survivor was abused by someone close to them." Keep in mind that the survivor's trust and love where betrayed, and the more the
relationship feels like family the more threaten the survivor may
feel. I know that when a survivor acts angry, sad, needs time alone, or doesn't want to make love it affects you personally, and yet, her/his behavior may not have any bearing on how they feel about you. 
For myself, as a survivor I know that I seem distance and aloof from
my spouse, not wanting to be with him, yet the opposite is true.
This is difficult for him and for me, but at times it is hard to
explain or define the feelings running through me. I have times when I can not verbal express what I am feeling or thinking, or even why I may react to certain situations with jealousy and rage. The bottom line is that I trust my spouse and that I do love him, but sometimes the past is more powerful then the present, and apart of me, wants to keep the two separate from each other. The other difficult aspect in my relationship is that he doesn't always know what I want or need, and if I can not tell him then he feels at lost as to how to help me. Both are natural, and takes effect to work through, but the bottom line is try to keep the lines of communication open, and don't take everything has a personal blow.

Remember that you need to have a safe place where you can express
your anger, frustration, and despair. It is important that you can
express what you feel, and it is important for the survivor to hear
these feelings from you as well, but she/he probably doesn't need to
hear all them or as frequently as you may have need to express them.

*  Talk to a counselor.
* Seek out friends who are good listeners.
* Find other supporters of survivors.

In the end, communication is the key. It is important when things are going well and it is critical when you are facing difficulties. "Communication is the basis for understanding, compassion, and creative problem solving." But don't get in the
habit of always trying to solve all the problems, but instead listen to the survivor, and together find solutions that will work for both of you. Relationships are never easy, and with survivors there is an element that greatly complicates this, but it can be done.

"Your place isn't to make it better, but to be a loving partner
through the hard times."

* Listen
*  Try to understand.
* Ask her/him what she/he needs.
*  Don't ignore it.
* Don't try to smooth it over.
* Reassure her/him.
* Get help for yourself if you are feeling shaky.
* Be patient.
* Lighten her/his load when you can.

Remember that when difficult problems do raise to also take time to enjoy the relationship, to reinforce what was positive in your relationship at the beginning, to have some fun. Refresh for both of you what attractive you to each other.

Take a moment and list positive aspects with your relationship with the survivor, of things that attracted you to the survivor, what you like about the survivor, and what affirms your love for the survivor. This list can be useful during difficult times, for
difficult times will occur. Remember that you can only do  the best you can, and that it is just as important to be there for the survivors as it is to be there for yourself.

... Provides online support to survivors of sexual abuse ... are many different forums for survivors, including public forums, small groups, topical discussions ...
http://www.dvirc.org.au/publications/supportgroups.htm

Open Directory - Society: Support Groups
... based support group for women and children who are victims or survivors of domestic ... Emotional Support on the Internet - Listing of online support groups. ...
http://dmoz.org/Society/Support_Groups/

Rainbow Hope :: Support group for lesbians survivors abuse and ...
... Welcome to Rainbow Hope. Online Support Group for Lesbians Survivors of Abuse and their Partners. This site was created so that we ... http://www.rainbowhope.org/

Resources for Sexual, Physical, Mental and Verbal Abuse
... newsletter for survivors of child abuse, incest & ... & support group for victims, survivors & those ... Trauma Anonymous Online support group for people who suffer ...
http://open-mind.org/Abuse.htm

STOP IT NOW! - Resource Guide: Victims and Survivors of Child ...
... serves the many independent SIA support groups around the ... in the area of online support for trauma ... to national therapists, crisis numbers, support chat rooms ...
http://www.stopitnow.com/resourceguide/rg03_vicsurv.html

Support Groups
... UK. The Healingroom - Online support group for adult survivors of childhood abuse. Includes chat, mailing list, and message board. ...
http://www.iseekhealth.com/support_groups-3368.php

Adult Survivor Support Groups, Child Sexual Abuse National ...
... E-mail: info@brokenspirits.com. Broken Spirits Network is an online community and support group that focuses on ... eSupportGroups - Abuse Survivors. ...
http://www.darkness2light.org/GetHelp/support_adult_survivor.shtml

TRI Online! Support Groups -Abuse
Men's Support Group (Adult Male Survivors of Child Abuse): ...
http://www.taconicresources.net/support-groups/sppt-abuse.shtml

Forums for Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse and Sexual Assault ...
... website can read and post messages about child sexual abuse ... This forum is intended for survivors who have been involved in online support groups for over http://www.vansondesign.com/RecoveryCanada/SexualAbuse/Forums/

How to Find a Sexual Abuse Support Group
http://www.ehow.com/how_8564_find-sexual-abuse.html

Male Sexual Abuse.com - A Male Survivor's Site
For all men who have suffered sexual abuse or trauma as a child, this site is a place for you to find refuge and strength through Jesus Christ.
http://www.malesexualabuse.com

Male Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors
Male survivors telling their stories; resources for survivors; articles and information.
http://www.vix.com/menmag/sexabupg.htm

Male Survivor
Live chat, free counselling and advice.
http://www.male-survivor.com

Sexual Abuse Recovery Forum
A place of healing for survivors of sexual abuse and rape.
http://www.members.tripod.com/~poetrypal/recoveryforum.html

Warriors of the Heart
Where adult male survivors of incest and child abuse can share their experience, strength and recovery.
http://www.warrioroftheheart.info

Art of Healing
Established artist, Linda Ness, shares her many paintings about her journey of recovery.
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Gallery/3331

A Place For Peace
Support for rape and sexual assault survivors and their loved. Resources and personal stories.
http://www.users.drak.net/moonchant

A Place of Hope, Healing, and Comfort
A survivor tells her story and how God's grace has helped her to survive the dark years that followed.
http://angiesue.htmlplanet.com

Abused Empowered Survivor Thrive
Support to survivors of sexual abuse either as a child or adult, with related subjects such as date rape, male rape, panic attack, eating disorders, and self harm.
http://www.aest.uk6.net

Aching Heart
A resource for women survivors of sexual abuse and incest.
http://www.angelfire.com/journal/achingheart

All These Years
Site for the healing and recovery of rape and abuse survivors.
http://www.alltheseyears.net

Breaking The Silence
This site is for survivors of childhood abuse, sexual physical, and emotional.
http://www.abusesurvivors.net

Rainbow Hope
Rainbow Hope is a website dedicated to providing support and information for lesbians survivors of abuse.
http://www.rainbowhope.org

Ray of Sunshine
This site is dedicated to survivors of sexual abuse. It provides support and information. Offers a message board and chat room.
http://site.voila.fr/rayon_de_soleil/website/rayon_de_soleil.index.html

Recovery
A woman's continuing fight to overcome the trauma of sexual abuse.
http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/3378

Recovery Abuse Survivors Site
A safe place for survivors of abuse to receive support in a safe enviroment. Offers open forums as well as secure ones, and a chat room.
http://www.rass.org.uk

Safe Haven
Safe Haven is a site for survivors of sexual abuse/rape. Site includes personal stories, poetry, tips, advice on coping day-to-day, and an interactive message forum.
http://www.safehaven-uk.org

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