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NAASCA Mission - Adult Recovery
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*** All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing. ***
*** True evil lies not in the depraved act of the one, but in the silence of the many. ***
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| A few statistics .(from SafeHorizon.org) |
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Chances of Being Struck by Lightning: |
1 in 6.2 million |
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Chances of Dying in a Plane Crash: |
1 in 400,000 |
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Chances of Dying in a Auto Accident: |
1 in 19,000 |
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Chances of a Child Being Raped or Sexually Abused: |
1 in 4 |
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EDITOR'S NOTE: This was recently sent to NAASCA by the CDC (April 2015) - pdf file:
Long-Term Consequences of Childhood Sexual
Abuse by Gender of Victim
Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a worldwide problem. Although most studies on the
long-term consequences of CSA have focused on women, sexual abuse of both boys and
girls is common. Thus, a comparison of the long-term effects of CSA by gender of the
victim will provide perspective on the need for future research, prevention activities, and
treatment of survivors.
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About the Statutes of Limitations (SOL)
EDITOR's NOTE: Before we get into Recovery itself, we need to say that if you intend to bring any criminal or civil charges against your perpetrator(s) you'll need to check with local authorities as to the specific Statutes of Limitations (SOL) for taking an action. This is the period of time following a childhood assault that's allowed by each State which gives adults an opportunity to ask for (1) a criminal prosecution, which typically results in a prison term, or (2) to bring a civil suit for damages, usually for monetary awards, against accused perpetrators. In each State there's a specific, defined period of time legislated for each. NAASCA recommends you double-check the lists below with the local legal community for any updates (which happen regularly):
State Civil Statutes of Limitations for the Prosecution of Child Sexual Abuse -
a Statute of Limitation (SOL) is the time in which a lawsuit is initiated by an injured person or victim. In most cases, unless there is a special circumstance, the SOL begins to run from the date of the occurrence that caused the injury. Statutes of limitations are enacted by the State legislature.
SOL-Reform.com - dedicated to the reform of SOLs -
In some states, the Statute Of Limitations (SOL) on Child Sex Abuse (CSA) is too short for many victims, who often find the courage to speak out and confront their abuser or recover painful buried memories of abuse only after the statute of limitations has run out.
ChildUSA - tracking laws that are putting children at risk - We study and improve these laws to prevent sex abuse and maltreatment, including Statutes of Limitation (SOL) for Child Sex Abuse (CSA), Age of Majority, Consent, and Marriage, Religious Liberty Statutes and Medical Neglect Laws. We investigate the states with inadequate protection laws against child sex abuse, maltreatment, physical abuse, and neglect. |
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About Recovery
A primary mission at the National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse is to help abused people who have reached maturity get into recovery. If you are a man or woman who experienced sexual abuse, violence, severe neglect or emotional trauma in your youth, and are still suffering its lasting effects, we want to help you have a happy, healthy, productive life, and meaningful relationships.
We've been there, and our membership includes people who have recovered in a number of ways, many of us using one or more of the many resources we recommend on this site.
Secondly, we'll actively advocate for a better understanding of the shear magnitude of the many problems that surround the issue of child abuse in America. A better educated society will be more willing to address these problems and support recovery from them. There seems to be a particular taboo against talking about sexuality, domestic violence and similar "touchy" topics in our country, and significant confusion or reluctance to discuss such issues with our children. We hope we can break through these fears.
The figures related to childhood abuse are absolutely astonishing and of epidemic, if not pandemic, proportions. So are the facts about Domestic Violence, a closely related issue:
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Sick as your secrets
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There's an expression I agree with, "You're as sick as your secrets."
Yet the vast majority of child abuse victims do just that, since it's an almost a universal response to try to deal with our past "by ourselves."
This is especiallly true for men.
Women are naturally pre-disposed to share with other women, and there are far more support groups for females as well .. rape counseling, domestic abuse groups, hotlines and the like.
In addition there are many services available for those survivors who are still children (and their families).
But because we've found so little support for men who have suffered child abuse we'll pay a little special attention to what's available for them.
Stories about abused men: ALERT: these are explicit stories written by men who are speaking out about their own childhood sexual abuse
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About Adult Survivors of Child Abuse
WHAT IS CHILD ABUSE?
Child abuse can take the form of any act of physical, emotional or sexual abuse perpetrated against a child. Child abuse can also take the form of neglect--ignoring the child's emotional and or physical needs. Child abuse can and does take place outside of the family--with stepfamilies, foster families or babysitters. Sometimes it is very difficult to be sure whether or not you actually were abused as a child. You may be blocking memories because you are not yet ready to cope with them all on your own. (see what to look for inside)
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Adult Manifestations of Childhood Sexual Abuse
Childhood sexual abuse can be defined as any exposure to sexual acts imposed on children who inherently lack the emotional, maturational, and cognitive development to understand or to consent to such acts. These acts do not always involve sexual intercourse or physical force; rather, they involve manipulation and trickery. Authority and power enable the perpetrator to coerce the child into compliance. Characteristics and motivations of perpetrators of childhood sexual abuse vary: some may act out sexually to exert dominance over another individual; others may initiate the abuse for their own sexual gratification.
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Sexual trauma is easier to cope with when you have support, just like a broken bone is easier to set with a cast. We've compiled a list of resources for sexual assault survivors, ranging from online group counseling to books, retreats, and peer support. This list includes resources for women, men, young adults, children, disabled, trans, non-binary, and LGBTQIA+ survivors, as well as survivors of color. Many of the websites linked here also have their own lists of resources, so you can find even more options with just a few clicks.
Avoidance, one of the most common manifestations of PTSD, often makes it difficult for many patients to tackle their trauma head-on, particularly if the trauma is acute or recent. But as daunting as it may be to pick up the phone and call a hotline, inquire about group therapy, or attend a trauma-informed yoga class, taking an active role in your recovery will be the best and most empowering thing you can do for yourself.
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Reactions of Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Assault
CAVEAT: The following descriptions are meant to serve as a general guideline for how a victim of sexual assault might react in a time of pain or crisis. It is important to recognize, however, that each victim of sexual assault will have his or her own life experiences and personality that will influence how he or she react to the assault. There are many reactions that survivors of rape and sexual assault can have. But for adult survivors of childhood abuse there are reactions that may either be different or stronger than for other survivors. (from materials provided by the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault)
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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Adult Survivors of Child Abuse
Trauma specialists believe that "what is most tragic about child abuse and neglect is the exploitation of the child's attachment to the parent." To be sure, it is far easier to abuse one's own children, precisely because their love and loyalty to the parent render them much more compliant than they would be to a stranger. It is exactly this attachment exploitation that teaches children they are not safe in a relationship to other human beings. Damage comes when injuries are inflicted by those to who one looks for love and protection, and there is no relief from the trauma. It is the emotional and psychological setting in which the sexual maltreatment occurs, and with whom it has occured, that makes the difference and causes lasting damage.
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13 Steps for Managing Flashbacks
by Pete Walker, M.A.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This article offers some practical advice that many adult survivors of child abuse can use. A lot of us have little problem recalling the traumatic experiences we had as kids. But for many having flashbacks is quite common, and the experience of being 'triggered' (brought on) by any number of stimuli in our lives expresses itself in a variety of ways.
Often survivors will easily recall most of their past but are surprised when previously hidden (or overlooked) memories / thoughts / feelings about childhood pop up.
And quite a few have a sudden, shocking and disorienting set of memories that come rushing back all at once. Many use the term PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) to describe this debilitating phenomenon.
Regardless of how often one has flashbacks the following article contains information with good advice for any one in recovery, even for those who recall ALL their childhood trauma.
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EDITOR'S NOTE: These excellent articles were suggested as a resource by one of our adult survivor friends, Laurie Smith (who hosts her own special BlogTalkRadio talk shows dedicated to these issues (please see: www.blogtalkradio.com/Laurie-Smith for air times and episode descriptions):
When You Grow Up In a Dysfunctional Family -- by George A. Boyd -- When you grow up in a dysfunctional family, you experience trauma and pain from your parents' actions, words, and attitudes. Because of this trauma you experienced, you grew up changed, different from other children, missing important parts of necessary parenting that prepare you for adulthood, missing parts of your childhood when you were forced into unnatural roles within your family. For some of you, it has led you to attempt to flee the pain of your past by alcohol or drug use. Others of you feel inexplicably compelled to repeat the abuses that were done to you on your own children or with your own spouse. Others of you have felt inner anxiety or rage, and don't know why you feel as you do.
You were innocent, and your life was changed dramatically by forces in your family you had no control over, and now you are an adult survivor of that trauma. This article will discuss what these families are like, what is the impact of growing up in these families, and what you can do to begin the process of healing.
<<more>>
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from Peperdine University - OnlinePsychology@Pepperdine, the Online Master of Psychology program
Here's a resource that provides strategies for families that want to reconnect post estrangement and help them deal with the emotional strain and complexities of the situation.
Family members lose contact for a variety of reasons: Neglect or abuse can cause a child to cut off a parent. Divorce may pit not only parents against each other but also siblings. And some children simply grow up without one or both parents.
In the digital age, being able to reconnect with an estranged or lost family member may be easier than ever. Still, there is a substantial amount of emotional baggage that can come with the act of reaching out and beginning to rebuild a relationship.
What can people do to prepare for a meaningful reconnection? And how do they cope if that reconnection doesn't turn into reconciliation? |
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Here's yet another article Laurie recommends, that we thing you'll find useful and enlightening:
Loving the Wounded Child Within --
by Robert Burney, MA -- It is through having the courage and willingness to revisit the emotional dark night of the soul that was our childhood, that we can start to understand on a gut level why we have lived our lives as we have.
It is when we start understanding the cause and effect relationship between what happened to the child that we were, and the effect it had on the adult we became, that we can Truly start to forgive ourselves. It is only when we start understanding on an emotional level, on a gut level, that we were powerless to do anything any differently than we did that we can Truly start to Love ourselves.
The hardest thing for any of us to do is to have compassion for ourselves. As children we felt responsible for the things that happened to us. We blamed ourselves for the things that were done to us and for the deprivations we suffered. There is nothing more powerful in this transformational process than being able to go back to that child who still exists within us and say, "It wasn't your fault. You didn't do anything wrong, you were just a little kid."
<<more>>
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About Emotional Abuse and Trauma
You Carry the Cure In Your Own Heart |
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from Parade Magazine -- by Andrew Vachss -- Emotional abuse of children can lead, in adulthood, to addiction, rage, a severely damaged sense of self and an inability
to truly bond with others. But—if it happened to you—there is a way out. |
The attorney and author Andrew Vachss has devoted his life to protecting children. We asked Vachss, an expert on the subject of child abuse, to examine perhaps one of its most complex and widespread forms—emotional abuse: What it is, what it does to children, what can be done about it. Vachss' latest novel, "Down in the Zero," just published by Knopf, depicts emotional abuse at its most monstrous. |
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Understanding Verbal Abuse -- by Angela Lambert, Morningside Recovery -- Abuse can affect the lives of people regardless of age, gender or social status. Although people most often associate abuse with physical violence, it can come in many different forms including verbal abuse. Because of the nature of verbal abuse, its damaging effects are often underestimated and misunderstood. This can be a problem for people who are the victims of it. In addition, it can make it difficult for people who suspect that a friend or loved one is being verbally abused. To help combat verbal bullying it is important to educate people and raise awareness.
Verbal abuse is a type of emotional abuse in which a person uses words, body language, or behavior to cause emotional pain or distress to another person. Although it is not physical in nature and does not leave visible bruises, it is just as damaging and can leave an individual with emotional scars and trauma. With verbal abuse, the abuser uses words as a way to exert control and dominance over the victim. It is a behavior that is often thought of in terms of domestic violence; however, it can occur in places of work, school, etc. Spouses, teachers, employers, girlfriends, boyfriends, or friends can be verbally abusive. When it comes to relationships, it is often a precursor to physical violence.
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The Lamplighter Movement
An International Movement for Incest and Child Sexual Abuse Recovery
by Bill Murray -
featuring: www.TheLamplighters.org -- contact: margie@thelamplighters.org
At NAASCA we can easily recommend the work of Margie McKinnon, the founder of The Lamplighter Movement, an international movement for incest and child sexual abuse recovery. She's author of several books, including " REPAIR Your Life: A Program for Recovery from Incest & Childhood Sexual Abuse."
Ms. McKinnon writes, "While I highly recommend it as a successful model to help you through recovery, it is not necessary to own the book REPAIR or be working the program to start a Lamplighter Chapter of your own. This website is primarily to encourage the formation of Lamplighter Chapters. No qualifications needed other than a sincere desire to be supportive of child sexual abuse victims who are trying to recover and a commitment to follow The Code of The Lamplighters."
Here's the The Lamplighter Movement Facilitators Guide (pdf file).
NOTE: Margie appeared recently on one of our "Stop Child Abuse Now" Internet-based talk radio show, now available for on-demand listening.
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Dreamcatchers for Abused Children - This is an excellent resource site with many articles on child sexual abuse. It also has articles about trafficking.
Adult Survivors of Child Abuse should be sure to click on the very useful "RECOVERY" link, which is jam packed with web sites of organizations you'll appreciate.
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Little Warriors - (Canada) - This Calgary based non profit is a charitable organization with a national focus that educates adults about how to help prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. Little Warriors also provides information about the prevalence and frequency of child sexual abuse and information about healing and support resources.
They've just launched a new "Make it Stop" media campaign, which includes radio and television commercials, bus murals and posters and more.
Glori Meldrum, Founder & Chair of "Little Warriors," had a life long dream - she just didn't know it. Her "Ah-Ha" moment occurred nearly 24 years after being abused. Glori had a dream to do something to help prevent child sexual abuse, and Little Warriors is the realization of that dream.
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EDITOR'S NOTE: Our effort is designed to help for men and women from any walk of life, even if their childhood suffering occurred decades ago. But ..
Men are even MORE likely to keep the stories of their youthful sex abuse a secret.
CNN's Don Lemon, himself a child abuse survivor, interviews one of the founders of an organization I highly recommend, 1in6.org.
Harrison Ford narrates their newest PSA (included during the clip here):
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Male Sex Abuse Victims Often Suffer in Silence
U.S. Senator Scott Brown (R-MA) revealed he was sexually abused in his book "Against All Odds," which came out this week.
The disclosure spotlights the difference between the way boys and men handle violations compared to girls and women.
CNN's Don Lemon spoke with David Lisak, a member of the group 1in6.org and an abuse survivor himself, about why male victims tend to not expose the sexual offenses against them.
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EDITOR'S NOTE: Our organization is here to help men and women both, no matter what path their life experience has taken them.
We are non denominational, have no political affiliation and belong to no other outside group.
Our primary mission at NAASCA is to help abused adults get into recovery, and, secondly, to educate the public about the many issues surrounding child abuse.
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Male Survivor web sites
Here is an excellent list of organizations that comes from MaleSurvivor.org, a group committed to preventing, healing, and eliminating all forms of sexual victimization of boys and men through support, treatment, research, education, advocacy, and activism.
1in6 - offers a wealth of information and resources on its website, including an online helpline and a lending library, for men who have experienced unwanted or abusive childhood sexual experiences and those who care about them. Their site is for men at various stages of seeking information and help, including those who don't see themselves as “survivors” or their experiences as “abuse.” 1in6 also provides trainings for therapists and other professionals.
www.1in6.org
End Abuse Now - is a page about the Hearing Healing Hope program of support groups for sexually abused men based in Owen Sound ON and serving Grey-Bruce counties, including at least one First Nations reserve. The program is explicitly understanding and supportive of First Nations traditions and culture. The page is part of a larger site called End Abuse Now, sponsored by the Grey Bruce Domestic Violence Coordinating Committee.
www.endabusenow.ca/node/93
The Gatehouse is a community-based agency in the west end of Toronto which offers a wide range of services for victims of child abuse and their families -- notably peer-facilitated support groups for men sexually abused as boys.
www.thegatehouse.org
Gay Men's Domestic Violence Project - 1 in 4 Gay Men Experience Domestic Violence. Gay Men's Domestic Violence Project is a grassroots, non-profit organization founded by a gay male survivor of domestic violence and developed through the strength, contributions and participation of the community. Gay Men's Domestic Violence Project supports victims and survivors through education, advocacy and direct services.
www.gmdvp.org
John Howard Society - Supporting Adult Men – Male Adult Survivors of Abuse, Substance Abuse, Harm Reduction, Domestic Violence and Anger Management.
www.johnhowardtor.on.ca
Male Survivors of Sexual Assault - Sessions are free and confidential at the Sexual Assault Crisis Center, 1 Dock St., Suite 320, Stamford, Conn.
Call 203-348-9346 or 24-hour hotline, 203-329-2929
www.stamfordadvocate.com/default/article/
Male Survivors Sexual Abuse & Male Rape Survivors Support
http://www.aest.org.uk/survivors/male/
Men Thriving - a member's only bulletin board for those over 21 years old - requires registration and adherence to strict rules of conduct - connect and share with other males survivors of child abuse
www.menthriving.org
The Men's Project, based in Ottawa ON, offers a wide range of individual and group services for men, including men who've been sexually abused. www.themensproject.ca
The Silence to Hope Project - focus on assisting male sexual abuse survivors who have been sexually victimized by representative of the Catholic Church in this part of South Western Ontario
www.rcec.london.on.ca/abuse/SilenceHopeHealing.htm
The Victims Resource Center provides a wide range of services to men, women and children who are victims of crime. These services include a 24-hour hotline, support groups, counseling and advocacy for victims. VRC also provides numerous educational programs for students of all ages, professionals and community groups. The Victims Resource Center is private, confidential and it's services are free. If you or someone you know is a victim of crime, VRC can help. We guide clients toward the path of healing.
www.vrcnepa.org/index.php
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General Survivor Websites The Awareness Center - International Jewish Coalition Against Sexual Abuse/Assault (JCASA) dedicated to addressing childhood sexual abuse in Jewish communities worldwide.
www.theawarenesscenter.org
Being in Movement - is a website that focuses on body awareness and empowerment in a number of areas of application, one of which is abuse recovery. By learning how to open and balance their breathing, muscle tone and posture, abuse survivors can develop a state of calm alertness and compassionate power, which will serve as a foundation for their healing journey. All the resources on the website concerning abuse work are grouped together.
www.being-in-movement.com/flyers.htm
Big Voice Pictures - This is the website of documentary film producers Kathy Barbini and Simon Weinberg. Big Voice Pictures produces documentaries that give voice to emerging and cutting-edge social issues, with the intention of motivating discussion, effecting change, and offering new insights and hope for individuals, families, and communities. Most recently, Big Voice Pictures has produced the film Boys and Men Healing, which premiered during MaleSurvivor's 12th International Conference. This documentary is about the impact that sexual abuse of boys has on both the individual and society, and the importance of healing and speaking out for male survivors to end the devastating effects. The film portrays courageous non-offending men whose arduous healing helped them reclaim their lives—while giving them a powerful voice to speak out, and take bold action toward prevention for other boys.
www.bigvoicepictures.com
Black Sexual Abuse Survivors has an online support group for black, adult males and females who were sexually abused as children. BSAS is a non-professional, not-for-profit resource, where its participants provide support to each other online with their recovery from sexual abuse.
www.blacksurvivors.org
The Canadian Centre for Abuse Awareness (CCAA) - works toward public education and awareness regarding child abuse of all kinds. They have taken a special interest in sexually abused men as an underserviced population; and they sponsor many educational workshops on issues faced by male survivors.
www.ccfaa.com
Criminal Injuries Compensation Board (CIBC) of Ontario, is a program of The Ontario Government's Ministry of the Attorney General, Victim Services Secretariat (OVSS). This program offers financial compensation for victims of crime in Ontario, designed to cover both "pain and suffering" and costs of treatment and rehabilitation. As such, it has been of great help to many adult (male and female) survivors of sexual abuse, especially those who cannot otherwise afford private therapy. On this page there is information about a 24/7 Victim Support Line (VSL) operated by OVSS.
www.cicb.gov.on.ca/en/index.htm
Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General's Victim Services Secretariat
(the parent agency of the CICB described above).
www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/ovss/about.asp
Just Detention International seeks to end sexual violence committed against men, women, and children in all forms of detention.
www.justdetention.org
Many Voices is a bimonthly, internationally distributed print newsletter, founded in 1989, for people recovering from severe child abuse or trauma
www.manyvoicespress.com
Military Rape Crisis Center
www.stopmilitaryrape.org
The National Sexual Violence Resouce Center serves as the nation's principle information and resource center regarding all aspects of sexual violence. It provides national leadership, consultation and technical assistance by generating and facilitating the development and flow of information on sexual violence intervention and prevention strategies. The NSVRC works to address the causes and impact of sexual violence through collaboration, prevention efforts and the distribution of resources.
www.nsvrc.org
PAVE | Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment is a 501c3 national nonprofit organization that uses social, educational and legislative tactics to shatter the silence of sexual violence.
www.pavingtheway.net
POKROV.ORG – A resource for survivors of abuse in the Orthodox Churches
www.pokrov.org
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual assault organization and was named one of “America's 100 Best Charities” by Worth magazine. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE and rainn.org) in partnership with over 1,100 local rape crisis centers across the country. The hotline has helped more than 1.4 million people since 1994. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual assault, help victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice. For more information about RAINN, please visit rainn.org.
www.rainn.org
Safer Society Foundation - Work to engage survivors, treatment professionals, persons with sexual behavior problems, family members, friends, policy makers, researchers and educators in creating evidence-based strategies for preventing sexual abuse, supporting those who have been abused, and managing those who have abused. The Safer Society Foundation provides resources through the Safer Society Press, their National Databse of Professionals, as well as their website.
www.safersociety.org
Safe Society Zone works to address sexual assault prevention in schools
www.safesocietyzone.com
The Sidran Institute – is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of international scope that helps people understand, recover from, and treat: traumatic stress (including PTSD) dissociative disorders, and co-occurring issues, such as addictions, self injury, and suicidality. The Sidran Institute develops and delivers educational programming resources for treatment, support and self-help trauma-informed community and professional collaboration projects and publications about trauma and recovery. Sidran's constituency is made up of any individuals or organizations touched by the effects of trauma, including adults, adolescents, and children who have experienced or witnessed traumatic events, supportive friends and family members, health, mental health, crisis, public safety, and victims services professionals support networks, schools, faith communities, and more.
www.sidran.org
Speaking out against Rape, Inc.® (SOAR®) runs national awareness, education and prevention programs to empower survivors of sexual violence and enhance the public's understanding and acceptance of rape victims.
www.soar99.org/about.html
SNAP - The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests US, national support group for women and men, originally for those abused by religious authority figures but now including all that have suffered child hood abuse from any individual or group.
www.snapnetwork.org
Stop Abuse For Everyone (SAFE) is a human rights organization that provides services, publications, and training to serve those who typically fall between the cracks of domestic violence services: straight men, GLBT victims, teens, and the elderly. We promote services for all victims and accountability for all perpetrators.
www.safe4all.org
Stop It Now ! - Stop It Now! prevents the sexual abuse of children by mobilizing adults, families and communities to take actions that protect children before they are harmed. Adults engage in respectful, caring behavior with children and other adults to create safe, stable and nurturing relationships for all children. Children grow up free of trauma from any form of violence including sexual abuse and exploitation.
www.stopitnow.com
Together We Heal -
for those who have suffered the trauma of childhood sexual abuse. Gives aid and counseling to those in need, educates any who seek information on how to best protect our children and exposes predators and their methods. Works with schools, religious groups, civic organizations or in a home full of concerned parents. Helps prevent further damage and to offers sevices to those who have already been assaulted by helping them begin the process of healing.
www.together-we-heal.org
We Are Adult Survivors of Child Abuse and Neglect - This web site is dedicated to the tens of millions of adult survivors of child abuse and neglect who get up every day and try to work and function in a world that seems to not care about us. We were shamed, ignored, not cared for, and traumatized as children. As adults, our needs are not recognized by employers, medical personnel are ill-informed about the long-term effects of childhood trauma, insurance companies discriminate against survivors by parceling out benefits and making us pay higher premiums than those with physical injuries, too many churches are uneducated in how to meet the spiritual needs of survivors, and most therapists are not trained adequately in the trauma disorders. The purpose of this web site is to provide a national platform to discuss the core issues that impact the lives of adult survivors of child abuse and neglect and to develop appropriate action steps to address these issues. Join us in making our voices heard in this Call to Action to bring about healing and recovery for all survivors.
www.wearesurvivors.org
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Sites to Help Survivor's Families Reform the Statute of Limitations on Child Sexual Abuse - working towards the extension and/or removal of civil statutes of limitations for child sexual abuse. By allowing access to the courts, we can ensure that victims will get the justice that they deserve. At the same time, experiences with statute of limitations reform in several jurisdictions have demonstrated the power of such action to allow society at large to identify predators and bring them to justice. When history has shown that child predators are generally not one-time offenders, the reform of statutes of limitations have the ability to protect the next generation of potential victims.
www.sol-reform.com
Stop Child Predators brings together an influential team of policy experts and community leaders with the real-world experience and a track record of proven results to achieve these goals. Numerous organizations and individuals across the country are motivated by the shared goal of protecting children and holding their victimizers accountable. Stop Child Predators seeks to harness their work and expertise by making one concerted effort to produce meaningful and immediate results. Stop Child Predators will help:
- Parents of child victims to tell their stories
- Law enforcement advocates to develop solutions
- Decision makers to find stronger and more effective policies
Through outreach, education, and advocacy, Stop Child Predators is dedicated to advancing three goals in every state across the USA:
- Penalty enhancements - Under current federal law, and in many states, offenders convicted of aggravated sexual abuse, abusive sexual contact, or sexual exploitation against children may not face imprisonment. Stop Child Predators is working with lawmakers and law enforcement to establish penalty enhancements for those found guilty of committing sexual offenses against children.
- Integrated nationwide sex offender registry - twenty three states have lost track of between 10% and 50% of their sex offenders. Stop Child Predators is committed to promoting an efficient and seamless integrated nationwide sex offender registry that is easily accessible to all communities.
- Victims' representation - Stop Child Predators believes strongly in protecting the rights of and providing a voice for all victims. Victims and their families should not only be heard during the sentencing of child predators, they should also be notified prior to the offender's release into the community.
www.stopchildpredators.org
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Sites to help Parents who are Dealing with Child Who Have Been Sexually Abused or Molested Bikers Against Child Abuse -
Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children. We exist as a body of Bikers to empower children to not feel afraid of the world in which they live. We stand ready to lend support to our wounded friends by involving them with an established, united organization. We work in conjunction with local and state officials who are already in place to protect children. We desire to send a clear message to all involved with the abused child that this child is part of our organization, and that we are prepared to lend our physical and emotional support to them by affiliation, and our physical presence. We stand at the ready to shield these children from further abuse. We do not condone the use of violence or physical force in any manner, however, if circumstances arise such that we are the only obstacle preventing a child from further abuse, we stand ready to be that obstacle.
www.bacaworld.org
Child Help USA Exists to meet the physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs of abused and neglected children.
www.childhelp.org
The National Child Protection Training Center strives to significantly reduce and seek an end to child abuse, neglect and all other forms of child maltreatment in three generations through education, training, awareness, prevention, advocacy and the pursuit of justice. The Center promotes reformation of current training practices by providing an educational curriculum to current and future front-line child protection professionals around the nation so that they will be prepared to recognize and report the abuse of a child.
www.ncptc.org
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Some thoughts:
We are innocent and guilt free, yet share feelings of shame and fear
We should accept no responsibility for our abuse in childhood
Our low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness are lies
Our lives changed forever in the moment we were first violated
We were diverted from our destiny
Our scars can become a perminent part of who we are .. defining us ..
We suffer a kind of insanity which can involve deep depression .. anger
The resentments we carry are controlling us
We are not alone
We are as sick as our secrets
Recovery is possible, if we work for it
We can have a complete change in our character
We can have a new atitude on life .. feel useful
We can serve the world by helping rid it of child abuse
Its better to recover together than to survive alone
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We Need to Educate Ourselves
New York Times OPINION
the story of young girls being brought into prostitution
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Videos for Adult Survivors of Child Abuse
http://www.cavalcadeproductions.com/adult-survivors.html
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Some additional resources...
These results are current as of: August 11, 2011
Organizations that have information on adult survivors of child abuse.
If you are aware of any others, please contact Child Welfare Information Gateway at: OrganizationUpdates@childwelfare.gov
Inclusion on this list is for information purposes and does not constitute an endorsement by Child Welfare Information Gateway or the Children's Bureau.
To search for child-welfare related national organizations by topic, use the Related Organizations Search at: www.childwelfare.gov/organizations/
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American Psychological Association (APA)
750 First Street NE
Washington , DC 20002-4242
Phone: (202) 336-5500
Toll-Free: (800) 374-2721
www.apa.org
The American Psychological Association is a national scientific and professional organization representing the field of psychology. The APA offers a wide range of programs and services including a consumer help center, media information, a research office, and a section on public interest topics such as disabilities, ethnic minorities, and issues involving children, youth, and families.
Major Program(s)/Initiatives(s): Section on Child Maltreatment - www.apa.org/divisions/div37/child_maltreatment/child.html
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Child Welfare Information Gateway
Children's Bureau/ACYF
1250 Maryland Avenue, SW -- Eighth Floor
Washington , DC 20024
Fax: (703) 225-2357
Toll-Free: (800) 394-3366
info@childwelfare.gov
Child Welfare Information Gateway connects professionals and the general public to information and resources targeted to the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and families.
A service of the Children's Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Child Welfare Information Gateway provides access to programs, research, laws and policies, training resources, statistics, and much more. - www.childwelfare.gov
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Childhelp®
15757 North 78th Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Phone: (480) 922-8212
Fax: (480) 922-7061
TDD: (800) 2AC-HILD
Toll-Free: (800) 4AC-HILD
Childhelp® is dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and neglect. Childhelp's approach focuses on prevention, intervention and treatment. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-4-A-CHILD®, operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and receives calls from throughout the United States, Canada, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Guam.
Childhelp's programs and services also include residential treatment services; children's advocacy centers; therapeutic foster care; group homes; child abuse prevention, education and training; and the National Day of Hope®, part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month every April. - www.childhelp.org
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Darkness to Light
7 Radcliffe Street
Suite 200
Charleston, SC 29403
Phone: (843) 965-5444
Fax: (843) 965-5449
Toll-Free: (866) FOR-LIGH T8663675444
stewards@d2l.org
Darkness to Light is a primary prevention program whose mission is to engage adults in the prevention of child sexual abuse; to reduce the incidence of child sexual abuse nationally through education and public awareness aimed at adults; and to provide adults with information to recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.
Major Program(s)/Initiatives(s): Child Sexual Abuse Support and Prevention Resource - www.darkness2light.org/GetHelp/helplines.asp
7 Steps to Protecting Our Children - www.darkness2light.org/7steps/
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FaithTrust Institute
2400 North 45th Street
No. 10
Seattle , WA 98103
Phone: (206) 634-1903
Fax: (206) 634-0115
Toll-Free: 1-877-860-2255
info@faithtrustinstitute.org
The FaithTrust Institute is an interreligious educational resource that addresses issues of sexual and domestic violence. The Institute's goals are to engage religious leaders in the task of ending abuse, and to serve as a bridge between the religious and secular communities. - www.faithtrustinstitute.org
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MaleSurvivor
PMB 103
5505 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington , DC 20015-2601
Toll-Free: 1-800-738-4181
webmaster@malesurvivor.org
A goal of MaleSurvivor is to overcome the sexual victimization of boys and men by helping professionals and others to better understand and treat adult male survivors of childhood sexual abuse. - www.malesurvivor.org/default.html
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National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
6001 Executive Boulevard
Rm. 8184, MSC 9663
Bethesda , MD 20892-9663
Phone: (301) 443-4513
Fax: (301) 443-4279
www.nimh.nih.gov
The National Institute of Mental Health works to diminish the burden of mental illness through research. NIMH seeks to achieve better understanding, treatment, and eventually prevention of mental illness.
Major Program(s)/Initiatives(s): Relief Fund for Sexual Assault Survivors - www.relieffundforsexualassaultvictims.org
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Office for Victims of Crime (OVC)
810 7th Street NW
Washington , DC 20531
Toll-Free: (800) 851-3420
askovc@ojp.usdoj.gov
The Office for Victims of Crimes was established by the 1984 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) to oversee diverse programs that benefit victims of crime. OVC provides substantial funding to State victim assistance and compensation programs, the lifeline services that help victims to heal. The agency also supports training designed to educate criminal justice and allied professionals on the rights and needs of crime victims.
OVC is one of five bureaus and four offices with grant-making authority within the Office of Justice Programs of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Major Program(s)/Initiatives(s): OVC Resource Center - www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/ovcres/welcome.html
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Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
2000 L Street NW
Suite 406
Washington , DC 20036
Phone: (202) 544-1034
Fax: (202) 544-3556
Toll-Free: (800) 656-HOPE
info@rainn.org
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) is an anti-sexual assault organization. RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1.800.656.HOPE), which provides victims of sexual assault with free, confidential services around the clock, and it carries out programs to prevent sexual assault and to help victims. - www.rainn.org
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Safer Society Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 340
Brandon , VT 05733-0340
Phone: (802) 247-3132
Fax: (802) 247-4233
ssfi@sover.net
General Scope: The Safer Society Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit agency, is a national research, advocacy, and referral center on the prevention and treatment of sexual abuse. The Foundation provides training and consultation, research, sex offender treatment referrals, a computerized program network, and a resource library. It also publishes materials for the prevention and treatment of sexual abuse.
Training Specific: The Safer Society will help individuals, agencies, states, and organizations develop specialized training institutes on current and emerging topics related to sexual abuse prevention and treatment. To identify professional trainers or to set up a training event, please call for further information.
Major Program(s)/Initiatives(s): The Safer Society Press - www.safersociety.org/safer-society-press
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Sidran Institute
200 East Joppa Road
Suite 207
Towson , MD 21286
Phone: (410) 825-8888
Fax: (410) 337-0747
sidran@sidran.org
The Sidran Institute, a leader in traumatic stress education and advocacy, is a nationally focused nonprofit organization devoted to helping people who have experienced traumatic life events. The Institute promotes improved understanding of the early recognition and treatment of trauma-related stress in children, the long-term effects of trauma on adults, and strategies that lead to the greatest success in self-help recovery for trauma survivors.
The Sidran Institute also advocates clinical practices considered successful in aiding trauma victims and the development of public policy initiatives that are responsive to the needs of adult and child survivors of traumatic events.
Major Program(s)/Initiatives(s): Resources for Survivors and Loved Ones - www.sidran.org
Resources for Students - www.sidran.org
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Stop It Now!
351 Pleasant Street
Suite B319
Northampton , MA 01060
Phone: (413) 587-3500
Fax: (413) 587-3505
Toll-Free: (888) 773-8368
info@stopitnow.org
Stop It Now!® prevents the sexual abuse of children by mobilizing adults, families and communities to take action before a child is harmed. Stop It Now! provides support, information and resources for adults to take responsibility for creating safer communities.
Visit the Online Help Center at StopItNow.org for guidance and resources to prevent child sexual abuse.
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Survivors of Incest Anonymous (SIA)
World Service Office
P.O. Box 190
Benson , MD 21018-9998
Phone: (410) 893-3322
www.siawso.org
Survivors of Incest Anonymous (SIA) is a 12-step, self-help recovery program modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous. There are no dues or fees. Confidentiality and anonymity are essential to the program. SIA is for men and women, 18 years and older, who were sexually abused as children.
Major Program(s)/Initiatives(s): 12 Steps - www.siawso.org
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To search for other child welfare-related national organizations by topic, use the Related Organizations Search.
www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/reslist/
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We Are Adult Survivors of Child Abuse and Neglect
www.wearesurvivors.org
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