INTIMATE PARTNER ABUSE & VIOLENCE * TEEN DATING ABUSE & VIOLENCE *
NARCISSISTIC ABUSE
Domestic Abuse & Violence
END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE NOW. STAND UP. SPEAK UP. STEP UP.
Click the Links below for more information on Peaceoverviolence.org
- Types of Abuse
- Am I in an Abusive Relationship?
- The Cycle of Violence, Power & Control
- Safety Planning
- Myths & Realities
- Guide for Friends & Families
A Voice for the Innocent
A Voice For The Innocent is a safe, anonymous online community of support for victims of rape and sex abuse.
Join A Voice For The Innocent to share your support, or to share your story.
About
Blog Articles
Read Stories
Tell Your Story
BLOSSOM & GROW
822 Guilford Avenue, #3039 | Baltimore, MD 21202 | 443-371-3295
Email: Alwaysgrowing@blossom-grow.com | Contact
Plant Care with Passion
Mission: Blossom & Grow’s mission is to bring a renewed sense of healing to Survivors of Domestic Violence, Rape, Teen Dating Violence, Sex Trafficking and their families through Plant Therapy Workshops and Plant Therapy Sessions/Plant Therapy family nights and group activities. We at Blossom and Grow believe the way to break the cycle of Domestic Violence is to initiate the healing process with the survivors and their families.
Our gardening services are for All of DC, MD, VA and PA but our workshops and classes are nationwide.
We believe obtaining housing assistance, life skills classes and an emergency place to stay during the tumultuous time are important parts of the process to getting the family back on their feet–but how do you give them the skills to never allow themselves to be put in this situation again? Statistics show individuals whom experience homelessness in their lifetime, repeat the cycle.
We have designed classes and workshops/plant therapy nights for the whole family ages: 4-9, 10-13, 14-17, and 18-up! We cover areas such as Domestic Violence, Rape, Teen Dating Violence and Sex Trafficking Survival as well –with more classes being created regularly.
Vision and Mission
Blossom and Grow, L. L. C– to bring a renewed sense of healing to Survivors of Domestic Violence, Rape, Sex Trafficking and Teen Dating Violence and their families through Plant Therapy Workshops and Plant Therapy Sessions/Plant Therapy family nights.
We at Blossom and Grow believe the way to stop the cycle of Violent Traumas is to initiate the healing process with the survivors and their families.
Gardening to Heal Trauma
Our workshops and sessions, family nights/ plant therapy nights to our local and nationwide Domestic Violence Shelters, libraries, community centers, churches and other community groups childcare facilities, rehabs, adult medical daycares, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and schools are offered to encourage all survivors of traumatic experiences to heal through learning how to use the power of plant care, gardening, painting, music, prayer and meditation as a way of learning to understand their trauma and grow from their experiences. Ultimately, giving them a hope to heal and lead a more balanced life.
Click Here to Read About CEO and Founder, Stacey Smith, and the Team at Blossom & Grow
“As the Owner of Blossom and Grow my goals include providing healing space from trauma, using Plant therapy dedicated to survivors of domestic violence, rape, sex trafficking, teen dating violence and other traumas . Encouraging them to use plant therapy to begin the healing process and growth towards a more balanced life through workshops and classes with plant cultivation, garden care, music, meditation, and painting. Blossom and Grow provides above and beyond customer service, complete plant care, gardening design and maintenance, maintenance to your plants in your residential and commercial spaces.
I encourage Domestic Violence Shelters and programs, libraries and community centers and all community groups to contact me for more information on The Plant Therapy Workshops, classes, and plant therapy nights.
It’s my commitment to provide “Plant Care with Passion”.”
Workshops, Plant Nights and Classes
“Grow Thru what you Go Thru”
Support Blossom and Grow’s Vision to heal Survivors of Domestic Violence by purchasing our new edition t-shirts! Encouraging everyone to “Grow through what you Go through” 5% of all proceeds go to Domestic Violence Shelters and Safe houses in the DMV area support a good cause!! Additional prep-time maybe needed depending on availability, size and Post office delays due to COVID-19 restrictions. If buying in Bulk please plan accordingly and contact us via email.
Domestic Abuse/Violence
INTIMATE PARTNER ABUSE & VIOLENCE * TEEN DATING ABUSE & VIOLENCE * NARCISSISTIC ABUSE
DomesticShelters.org
Click Here to go to Domestic Shelters so you can enter your zip code to start your search for domestic violence programs and shelters near you.
Kaytlyn Gillis is the author of the book Invisible Bruises, and her Blog on Psychology Today Kaytee Gillis, LCSW-BACS | Psychology Today.
While much of the information in Kaytee’s book is for Survivors of Domestic Violence, her work focuses on assisting survivors of psychological abuse, stalking, and other non-physical forms of domestic violence and family trauma.
Follow Kaytlyn Gillis @ claras_voice on Instagram. You can also listen to her Podcast, KAYTEE with a Why – The Podcast, on Spotify and Anchor.
Intimate Partner and Teen Dating Violence
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious, preventable public health problem that affects millions of Americans. The term “intimate partner violence” describes physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, or psychological harm by a current or former partner or spouse. This type of violence can occur among heterosexual or same-sex couples and does not require sexual intimacy.
CDC’s research and programs work to understand the problem of intimate partner violence and prevent it before it begins.
- Risk and Protective Factors|Intimate Partner Violence|Violence Prevention|Injury Center|CDC
- Prevention Strategies|Intimate Partner Violence|Violence Prevention|Injury Center|CDC
- Preventing Stalking |Violence Prevention|Injury Center|CDC
- Preventing Teen Dating Violence |Violence Prevention|Injury Center|CDC
Assault Prevention in Relationships
If you’ve identified that your partner exhibits controlling or aggressive behaviors and you’re afraid to address these issues within your relationship, it’s time to get help.
Victims often don’t realize the dangers of their situation until it’s too late — the dynamic between the abuser and abused is strategically designed to discourage the victims from acknowledging or addressing the problem. Intimate partner abuse and violence are never okay. They’re more common than you might think, and it’s wholly within your power and your rights to get out safely.
Ways of Domestic Violence Prevention
https://www.marriage.com/advice/domestic-violence-and-abuse/ways-of-domestic-violence-prevention/
20 Effective Ways of Domestic Violence Prevention (marriage.com)
Preventing Intimate Partner Violence |Violence Prevention|Injury Center|CDC
Relationships and Violence Prevention – MSU Denver
Preventing Interpersonal Violence in Relationships – PsychAlive
10 Signs of a Healthy Relationship – One Love Foundation (joinonelove.org)
10 Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship – One Love Foundation (joinonelove.org)
ARE YOU A CONCERNED PARENT, TEACHER, EDUCATOR, COUNSELOR, ADMINISTRATOR, ETC.???
We need to teach our children how to prevent violence in relationships!
Peace Over Violence – In Touch with Teens Curriculum
In order to help youth develop and maintain healthy, violence-free relationships, Peace Over Violence has been implementing the In Touch With Teens Violence Prevention curriculum in junior high and high schools and other community based youth organizations. The eleven-unit curriculum empowers youth to have healthy relationships by providing information about power and control, elements of healthy relationships and healthy sexuality, and media literacy as well as education on sexual harassment, sexual assault, and dating violence. The curriculum further addresses the development of pro-social skills such as empathy, impulse control, effective communication, problem solving, and bystander accountability. Continue Reading
SIECUS – Sex Ed for Social Change
“Teen Dating Violence: Sex ed is a prevention strategy”
“…teen dating violence is not being talked about nearly enough. We need to spread awareness to make sure young people are equipped with the information they need to understand and address abusive relationships. And I bet you can guess where this is going…
That’s right: sex ed!
Comprehensive sex education can provide young people with the exact information and skills they need to understand and address TDV before they become teenagers. It includes topics and lessons on healthy relationships, identifying abusive behavior, communication, consent, and boundary setting/respecting. As outlined by the National Sexuality Education Standards, this type of instruction can teach young people to: ” Continue Reading
SIECUS – Teen Dating Violence: Sex ed is a prevention strategy
Cyber Civil Rights Initiative
HOTLINE: 1-844-878-CCRI (2274)
Posting Nude/Sexual Images Without Consent
(“Revenge Porn”)
is a FEDERAL CRIME.
Cyber Civil Rights Legal Project
“The Cyber Civil Rights Legal Project helps victims of nonconsensual pornography by providing them legal assistance on a pro bono basis. The Cyber Civil Rights Legal Project is founded on the principle that people have a right of privacy in their intimate photographs and videos, and that the public, online dissemination of that media without consent is an invasion of that sexual privacy amounting to a “cyber civil rights” violation.”
US Attorneys who are providing pro bono legal assistance: https://www.cybercivilrights.org/professionals-helping-victims
LEGAL NOTICE:
Revenge porn is becoming (OR has already become) a federal crime as the SHIELD Act has been passed. The SHIELD Act is an amendment to the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2021.
The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2021 criminalizes the nonconsensual distribution of nude or sexually explicit images. Offenders could be imprisoned for up to two years.
“For victims of nonconsensual pornography, technology today makes it possible to destroy a person’s life with a single click,” Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Calif., said in a statement. Speier continued, “The damage caused by these attacks can crush careers, tear apart families, and, in the worst cases, has led to suicide.”
Text “NOFILTR” to 741741 for immediate assistance for “Grooming”
If you’re being sextorted, GET HELP NOW – TEXT “THORN” TO 741741
DomesticShelters.org
Click Here to enter your zip code to start your search for domestic violence programs and shelters near you.
DomesticShelters.org provides
- Answers to common and frequently asked questions (Answers to Most Commonly Asked Domestic Violence Questions (domesticshelters.org)
- 849 Articles on 34 topics ranging from “After Abuse” to “Ending Domestic Violence” to “Your Voice” (https://www.domesticshelters.org/articles/)
- Helpful Videos for Domestic Violence Victims & Survivors (Helpful Videos for Domestic Violence Victims and Survivors (domesticshelters.org)
- Resources
Narcissistic Abuse Victims and Survivors (who were able to leave their abusers) post such helpful information on Instagram, have Podcasts and websites, and other ways of spreading Hope for Healing and Recovery. Many of these people are still on their own Healing Journey and want to share their stories to try to Help Others!
We will continue to add to this list as we learn of others!
@paintopower (Podcasts) “Narcissistic Abuse Survivor 💜 New Yorker 🗽 Straight shooter 🗣 Healing Mentor ✨ Tiktok 21K+ | Pain To Power survivor retreat coming summer 2022”
@narcissist_survivor [@Dimming_the_ Gaslight] “Narcissistic Abuse Survivor. If you would like to be on the show, please email dimmingthegaslight@gmail.com” (Podcast on Spotify)
@narcissisticabuse_survivors “Everywhere. Resource to help survive narcissistic abuse, parental alienation, gaslighting. I respond to DM’s to help provide free resources and advice.”
@thriving.after.the.narcissist “Thriving After The Narc | Personal blog | Dedicated to my Nex, the covert narc – the most vile human being I have ever had the displeasure of knowing.”
@narcissist_quotes “Narcissistic Abuse. If your ex is a narcissist or you’re unsure, please follow this page for quotes of strength to get you through hard times ♥️ Believe in yourself ♥️”
@recoveringfromnarcabuse “Narcissistic Abuse Recovery. Coach | 🦋 Qualified Life Coach | 🦋 Survivor of an emotionally abusive relationship | 📩 Queries: recoveringfromnarcabuse@gmail.com | ⬇️ Enquire about coaching.” linktr.ee/recoveringfromnarcabuse
@narcissistic_abuse_partner “Personal blog. 10 years in abusive marriage with narcissist. I feel like I can help others while helping myself to get out of the trap. This is my survival therapy.” 💜
@noneedtoexplainpodcast “Mental Health Mamas Podcast. We ALL have mental health. The Mental Health Mamas are on a mission to normalize the conversation around mental health.” linktr.ee/mentalhealthmamas
Domestic Violence in the Military
“For 24-hour hotlines and other resources, please see our National Organizations Military page.”
https://www.womenslaw.org/find-help/federal/military
From womenslaw.org –
“This page includes information about reporting and receiving help for domestic violence on military installations and information about military protection orders.
The Department of Defense’s Family Advocacy Program reviewed this information for accuracy. Inclusion of this information does not imply endorsement of WomensLaw.org by the Department of Defense.
https://www.womenslaw.org/laws/federal/domestic-violence-military
Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP)
“The Department of Veterans Affairs has an Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program that is committed to helping veterans, their partners, and VA staff who are impacted by intimate partner violence. You can find a directory of IPV Assistance Program Coordinators on their website.”
Military OneSource
“The Department of Defense manages Military OneSource, a website for soldiers and families of soldiers. Military OneSource also maintains information about the Family Advocacy Program with locations across the United States providing services to military families dealing with family violence. You can search here to find a FAP location at your installation.”
HelpGuide.org
About Us
HelpGuide is an independent nonprofit that provides free, evidence-based mental health education and support. Our mission is to empower people with information they can use to help themselves and their loved ones.
HelpGuide is proud to be recognized as a transparent and trustworthy nonprofit provider of quality health information.
HelpGuide is dedicated to Morgan Leslie Segal, whose tragic suicide might have been prevented if she had access to better information.
Domestic Violence and Abuse
Are you or someone you care about in an abusive relationship? Here’s how to recognize the signs of domestic abuse—physical, emotional, sexual, verbal, or financial—and get help.
Domestic Violence and Abuse – HelpGuide.org
See Additional HelpGuide Topics below.
Click this link to find the following TOPICS near the bottom of the Home Page on HelpGuide:
Click Here for Resources – Mental Health & Crisis
Click here for Resources – ONLINE THERAPY (Many are FREEE!!)
Indigenous/Native American Organizations
What does National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center do?
With a mission to end violence against Native American women and children, Mending the Sacred Hoop and its many programs and services supports victims of abuse and leads efforts to restore the safety of women across the country.
Native Womens Wilderness is an organization whose mission is to inspire and raise the voices of Native Women in the outdoor realm and encourage a healthy lifestyle grounded in the wilderness. Native Womens Wilderness also works on missing and murdered Indigenous women awareness.
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women USA is a community-led initiative that focuses on the missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW) epidemic on both sides of the Canadian-U.S. border. There are systemic causes of the violence that causes the disproportionate rate of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, of which a great many cases go unsolved.
Across the United States and Canada Native Women and girls are being taken or murdered at an unrelenting rate. Native Hope exists to address the injustice done to Native Americans. We dismantle barriers through storytelling and impactful programs to bring healing and inspire hope.
Native Hope Resource Guide Addressing Native American Issues as a Non-Native for Allies
StrongHearts Native Helpline (1-844-762-8483, or strongheartshelpline.org) is a 24/7 safe, confidential and anonymous domestic, dating and sexual violence helpline for American Indians and Alaska Natives, offering culturally-appropriate support and advocacy.
The Center provides legal assistance to indigenous peoples of the Americas to combat racism and oppression, to protect their lands and environment, to protect their cultures and ways of life, to achieve sustainable economic development and genuine self-government, and to realize their other human rights. The Center’s Safe Women, Strong Nations project partners with Native women’s organizations and Indian and Alaska Native nations to end violence against Native women and girls. Our project raises awareness to gain strong federal action to end violence against Native women; provides legal advice to national Native women’s organizations and Indian nations on ways to restore tribal criminal authority and to preserve tribal civil authority; and helps Indian nations increase their capacity to prevent violence and punish offenders on their lands.
Alliance of Tribal Coalitions to End Violence
Tribal Coalitions: Increase awareness of domestic violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking against American Indian and Alaska Native women.
Enhance the response to violence against women at the tribal, federal, and state levels; and identify and provide technical assistance to coalition membership and tribal communities to enhance access to essential services.
VICTIM SERVICES DIRECTORY
Victim Services Directory for Trafficking Victims (tribaltrafficking.org)
Our holistic victim services directory, Sex Trafficking in Indian Country: Victim/Survivor Resource Book, is intended to provide Tribal Coalitions with basic information on sex trafficking as it impacts Native people and to provide access to direct services that may assist victims/survivors of sex trafficking. This resource contains a 900+ page victim/survivor services directory that is organized by state. Only states with a Tribal Coalition are represented in this directory.
This user-friendly directory of relevant free-to-low cost services can be used to aid victims of sex trafficking and sexual assault so they can easily access everything from short-term resources such as emergency shelter, food, and protection order assistance to long-term services like healthcare, education, and employment.
The directory was created with the tribal coalitions in mind, so they can immediately refer their clients to a national network of direct service providers. However, we have also designed this directory to be user friendly, so individuals looking for help can have a one-stop-shop to deal with the effects of sex trafficking, sexual assault, and exiting the sex industry.
(This directory was published in September of 2016 and it reflects information that was current at the time of publication)
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women USA
MMIW USA’s main focus is the families and women that have been abandoned by law enforcement and other institutions. They fill the gap between the family and law enforcement and demand answers, something these families felt afraid to do. Two years ago MMIW USA started the Staying Sacred Program for young women and girls. At the meeting the girls are taught self-defense and empowerment through native culture. We engage in discussions around trafficking and social media and we also balance that with medicine making and giving them a place to connect with the land and our Earth Mother. Proceeds will help this program expand, buying facial recognition software to look for trafficked women and the capability to run back ground checks as we delve into stopping the violence that leaves some native women 10 times more likely to be raped or murdered. Chukmaskhi’ for your help in this matter. You are appreciated.
(On the website, you can read “More about us” by clicking the button.)
Allow 7-10 business days
Some things can be so easily digitally slapped together these days. We wanted a symbol that was organic and real. Our Artist Tyler Phibbs (Blackfoot) had an idea… an idea to take a human handprint on glass, break it with a hammer and then scanning the pieces. Chris Borges (Manaus – Amazonia) literally lent a hand and we were on a creative frenzy. Why this much effort for a logo?! Why so many pieces involved?! Each missing person is worth all the effort. A human handprint from a Manaus medicine family descendent is a prayer of a return to healing. The handprint shattered in pieces represents the shattered hearts and lives of the victims and families whom are impacted by this tragic epidemic. We hope these items help spread awareness, help in support MMIW USA, bring our family members home and stop this cycle. YAKOKE CHITO.
National Deaf Hotline
Video phone: 855.812.1001
Instant messenger: DeafHotline
The DeafHotline provides confidential instant messaging for deaf individuals who have experienced sexual assault.
You can also email deaf advocates at nationaldeafhotline@adwas.org.
Chat now: thehotline.org
Through the National Deaf Domestic Violence Hotline (NDDVH), a partnership with the Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services (ADWAS), advocates are available 24/7 via TTY and live chat to help people affected by domestic violence who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
Need help now? Advocates who are Deaf themselves are available to answer your call 24/7 by:
- Video phone: 855.812.1001
- Instant messenger: DeafHotline
- Email: nationaldeafhotline@adwas.org
The Deaf Hotline also has advocates available 24/7 for crisis intervention, education, information and referrals for Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled callers.
- listen and provide emotional support
- provide information and referrals
- do domestic violence and sexual assault education
- brainstorm with callers ways to keep safe
- develop safety plans
From:
10 Red Flag Warning Signs of Abuse
The anatomy of an unhealthy, one-sided relationship.
Posted October 30, 2020 | Abigail Brenner, MD
- All-consuming jealousy. When a person wants your full attention and time 24/7 and gets angry and demanding when you spend time with anyone else, you know you’re in trouble. Extreme possessiveness is pathological
- The attempt to control all aspects of a partner’s life. What you do and how you do it, where you go, who you’re with, what you like spending time doing, how you dress—virtually every aspect of your life—is up for scrutiny and control. Demanding an accounting of your time becomes the norm. The feeling for the abused partner is that of being a possession rather than an independent person.
- The attempt to isolate the partner from family and friends. This is a version of divide and conquer. The abuser wants full control and the only way to accomplish that is to severely limit contact with people who are close to the abused partner. Not only that, but the abuser is attempting to limit any negative feedback offered by friends and family about the abuser. If isolation/alienation from close others can’t be accomplished, the abuser may use the tact of constantly criticizing close family and friends so as to drive a wedge and to, at least, limit the contact of others.
- Violating your privacy. Constantly checking up on their partner, the abuser will think nothing of checking your phone, emails and texts, computers, etc. Since you “belong” to them nothing is private anymore.
- Treating you with disrespect by blaming, shaming, and putting you down. The abuser will find fault with everything you do. They will attempt to make you feel unworthy and unloved. And, of course, if you grow to believe that you are unworthy and unloved, the attachment to the one who professes to be the only one who truly loves you becomes all the more important. The abuser may resort to many forms of humiliation including bullying, calling the abused by derogatory names, embarrassing their partner in front of others, insulting, infantilizing, and acting out in public.
6. Blaming you for their bad behavior. Since you are the center of their world, the one they’re the closest to, the way you behave must be the reason why they are acting so badly. You, the abused, made them, the abuser, behave badly. The abuser will make you feel responsible for them and their behavior and will make you feel guilty that you didn’t do what they wanted you to do.
7. Threatening you with harm, or alternately, with hurting themselves if you don’t do what they want. Their inability to control the situation may cause them to accelerate their behavior taking it several notches up from verbal to physical. If they are unable to get satisfaction in controlling you they may up the ante to threatening you with bodily harm, and/or harming those you care about, especially children, and beloved pets.
8. Destroying your personal possessions. The abuser may act out against you by defacing or destroying personal things that are important to you. This is a way of punishing you for not bending to their will, for not doing as they say. It’s also an attempt to deprive you of the things that are personally yours, things you keep around that may support and ground you, things that define you separately from anyone else.
9. Inability to show compassion toward anyone, but especially you. The person who abuses may lack the ability to have compassion in the first place. But if they were ever able to be compassionate their frustration over time may make them incapable or unwilling to feel for their partner’s predicament. If they could be compassionate that would have to allow for the fact that their partner has a life and interests of their own. An abuser often doesn’t want you to have and do anything that doesn’t include them.
10. Pressuring you to engage in what is important to them, at the expense of what’s important to you. The abuser may try to enforce lifestyle, friends, certain behaviors, and preferences on you while robbing you of your opinions, preferences, and relationships. They have a real lack of interest in what’s important to you.
NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE 800-799-SAFE (7233)
Deaf Services Here for survivors who are Deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing.
“Leaving an abusive relationship is a highly personal, individual decision, but all survivors benefit from having trusted people during this time. Since those experiencing abuse are often isolated by their abusers, it’s important to know how you can support survivors on the path to finding safety.
“Click Here to GET HELP – Our advocates are available 24/7 by phone and live chat to discuss your situation and help you identify ways to assist a loved one who may be experiencing domestic violence.”
ADVOCATES AND SHELTERS (Local Programs) listed by State, organized by County:
The Journey
Each fall, the Monarch Butterflies in Maine begin an unbelievable Journey to a hilltop in Mexico.
How do they do it?
They focus on the Goal, not the Difficulties.
Each day they take their bearings and set off, allowing their Instincts and Desire to steer them.
They Accept what comes ~
Some winds blow them off course,
Others speed them along.
But, they keep flying. . .
Until. . .
One day. . .
They Arrive!!
717-728-9740 x144 / 800-692-7445
HELP * HOPE * HEALING
“There is a national network of community-based rape crisis centers, with centers available in every state and territory. www.nsvrc.org These centers exist across the United States to provide supportive services to victims of sexual assault. While the specific services available vary by location, services are confidential and may include:
- advocacy,
- accompaniment during medical exams and law enforcement interviews,
- education,
- follow-up services,
- and referrals to other resources.”
ADVOCATES AND SHELTERS (Local Programs) listed by State, organized by County:
“Every state and territory also has an organization designated to coordinate the activities of rape crisis efforts and represent that state or territory as its coalition.
NSVRC maintains a Directory of State and Territory Coalitions, as well as a Directory of Victim/Survivor Support Organizations that provide services to survivors. Please contact your state or territory’s coalition to find local resources.
NSVRC – A Guide for Friends and Family of Sexual Violence Survivors. Download Guide:
https://www.nsvrc.org/sites/default/files/201710/friends_and_family_guide_final.pdf
ADVOCATES AND SHELTERS (Local Programs) listed by State, organized by County:
( centers.rainn.org )
It’s helpful to have support in your own community after a sexual assault. Local service providers make it easy for you to access care, and they are knowledgeable about the laws in your area and local resources that can assist you.
RAPE, ABUSE AND INCEST NATIONAL NETWORK
HOTLINE: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
ADVOCATES AND SHELTERS (Local Programs) listed by State, organized by County:
https://www.womenslaw.org/find-help/advocates-and-shelters
For a list and description of organizations that provide assistance for survivors and their families, visit: https://www.rainn.org/national-resources-sexual-assault-survivors-and-their-loved-ones
- Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Survivors
- Black Survivors
- Child Abuse/Sexual Abuse
- College Students
- Domestic, Dating and Intimate Partner Violence
- Human Trafficking
- Immigrant Survivors
- Incest
- Indigenous Survivors
- Latinx Survivors
- Legal Resources
LGBTQ Survivors
LGBTQ Survivors of Color
Male Survivors
Medical/Physical Health
Mental Health
Military Resources
Stalking
Sexual Assault Prevention
Suicide & Self-Harm
Survivors with Disabilities
“The RAINN app gives survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones access to support, self-care tools, and information to help manage the short- and long-term effects of sexual violence.
Find Support
“The app’s “Hotline” feature can connect you directly with one-on-one support from a trained support specialist on RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline via phone or online chat. It’s free, confidential and available 24/7.
“You can also chat with other survivors in our peer-to-peer HelpRoom.”
Practice Self-Care
“The app’s “Self-Care” section contains exercises to help you take a moment for yourself as you heal. They include a Mood Tracker to help you reflect on how you’re feeling and figure out the best ways to care for yourself; relaxing visuals from The Monday Campaign to help you destress; and audio exercises from Headspace for calming meditation.”
Learn More
“The app’s “Learn” section includes helpful information on sexual violence topics, finding and giving support, and healing.
“You can also hear from survivors offering their own real-life stories of hope and healing.”
The RAINN app is available in the App Store and on Google Play. Download it today.
Each month, RAINN highlights a member of its National Leadership Council. The NLC is a group of dedicated individuals who have shown their commitment to RAINN’s mission of supporting survivors and ending sexual violence.
Whitney Wolfe Herd is the founder and CEO of Bumble, which puts women in control of the online dating experience, and a member of RAINN’s National Leadership Council. She recently became the youngest woman to take a company public and is a passionate advocate for women leaders in business.
Bumble CEO on Supporting Survivors and Creating Safer Dating Experiences
Excerpt:
What do we need to do as a country to prevent sexual violence?
“We need to promote discussions of healthy relationships from a young age as well as empowering folks of all genders—including men and boys—to be allies. Bystander intervention should be taught on every college campus. We also need to uplift and support the crucial work of organizations like RAINN, who are not only doing the work on the ground to educate communities and provide support to victims, but urging lawmakers to take action to, for instance, end the rape kit backlog.”
STUDENT SAFETY
https://www.rainn.org/safety-students
Safety & Prevention
https://www.rainn.org/safety-prevention
Safety for Parents
Safety for Students
Warning Signs
Protecting Others
Online Safety
Safe Web Browsing
Social Media Safety
Staying Safe
What Consent Looks Like
How to Respond if Someone is Pressuring You
Safety Planning
Safety Tips for Traveling
Alcohol Safety
Let’s Talk About…for all ages
Staying Safe on Campus
https://www.rainn.org/articles/staying-safe-campus
Alcohol Safety
https://www.rainn.org/articles/alcohol-safety
Steps You Can Take to Prevent Sexual Assault
https://www.rainn.org/articles/steps-you-can-take-prevent-sexual-assault
Your Role In Preventing Sexual Assault (Bystander)
https://www.rainn.org/articles/your-role-preventing-sexual-assault
What Consent Looks Like
https://www.rainn.org/articles/what-is-consent
How to Help Someone You Care About – Tips from RAINN
https://www.rainn.org/sites/default/files/HelpSomeoneOnePageRAINN.pdf
SelfCare After Trauma – Tips from RAINN
https://www.rainn.org/sites/default/files/SelfCareOnePageRAINN.pdf
Online Dating and Dating App Safety Tips
https://www.rainn.org/online-dating-and-dating-app-safety-tips#overlay-context=
#RAINNDAY & #LetsGetLoud “Need some social media inspiration? Try pairing a few of the posts with our RAINN Day graphics below.
“Browse the #RAINNDay and #LetsGetLoud hashtags on Instagram to see how students around the country are raising awareness for Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.
#LetsGetLoud & speak out about sexual assault during #RAINNDay. Make a difference: rainn.org/rainnday
#LetsGetLoud so survivors know that they are not alone. I’m making a difference on my campus with #RAINNDay on 4/14. You can too: rainn.org/rainnday
#LetsGetLoud so survivors know that they are believed and sexual violence is not tolerated on our campus. Learn how you can help at rainn.org/rainnday
#LetsGetLoud about protecting each other. I’m bringing my campus together on #RAINNDay to help end sexual assault. rainn.org/rainnday As a college-age person, we are at a high risk for sexual violence. #LetsGetLoud and stop sexual assault on college campuses. Find out how at #RAINNDay. rainn.org/rainnday
SPREAD THE WORD ON SOCIAL MEDIA!!
“You can play an important role in stopping sexual violence and connecting survivors with the support they deserve. The best part? You only have to lift a finger. Acting with RAINN on social media gives you a chance to have a voice in the conversation about sexual violence.
Share the messages below on social media:
Connect survivors with help: The National Sexual Assault Hotline provides free, 24/7 support to survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones. Reach those who need this valuable service by sharing the hotline information on social media.
If you have been affected by sexual assault, you are not alone. @RAINN provides free, confidential support 24/7 at online.rainn.org.
@RAINN provides free, 24/7 support for survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones at 800.656.HOPE and online.rainn.org.
Sexual assault is never your fault. @RAINN now offers free, confidential Spanish support services online 24/7 at rainn.org/es.
Educate your friends: Debunk myths and educate your network about sexual violence. Share a statistic to shed light on the issue. Every 73 seconds, another American is sexually assaulted. Learn more and take action with @rainn at rainn.org. 98% of rapists will never spend a day in jail. Help bring rapists to justice with @rainn at rainn.org.
Advocate for survivors of sexual violence: Use your voice to create a ripple effect of change for survivors among your peers, in your community, or even on Capitol Hill.
Raise awareness and educate students about sexual assault resources from @RAINN with #RAINNDay! Learn more at rainn.org/rainnday.
Support funding to help victims of sexual violence and hold perpetrators accountable. rainn.org/action-center @rainn #ActWithRAINN.”
Public Policy and Action – Interactive Map – Laws of Your State
RAINN Needs Your Voice
Countless survivors’ kits are languishing on shelves in evidence rooms and labs across the U.S. Even today, some survivors must wait nearly a decade to get their kits processed and tested. Right now, approximately 200,000 kits wait to be tested. Today, we have a chance to make a difference.
The U.S. Senate is currently deciding how much to spend on the backlog and your voice can be the difference between more funding or less.
Stand With Survivors and Ask Your Senators to End the Backlog. Justice Delayed is justice denied. Urge your senators to do their part to help end the rape kit backlog today.
Send email = https://p2a.co/1jqx2dk?p2asource=FY21_BacklogAlert_email1_all
How RAINN’s Policy Team Works Help Survivors https://www.rainn.org/news/how-rainns-policy-team-works-help-survivors
“Recently, as Congress has considered police reform legislation, RAINN has urged House and Senate leaders to include a number of additional changes to help survivors of sexual violence. RAINN’s suggestions address issues that disproportionately impact Black victims of sexual violence, especially Black girls, who are overrepresented in juvenile justice data. According to The Sex Abuse to Prison Pipeline: The Girls Story, 76 percent of girls involved with the justice system have histories of physical and sexual abuse.”
Resources for Sexual Assault and Domestic Abuse Survivors Who Aren’t Sure Where to Turn
From: Sexual Assault Survivors: Resources, Support Groups, and Therapy (greatist.com)
Hotlines, Call Centers & Resources: Sexual Assault Survivors: Resources, Support Groups, and Therapy (greatist.com)
Shelters, Counseling, Support Resources: https://www.greatist.com/live/sexual-assault-survivor-resources#shelters-counseling-and-support-resources
THERAPIES
Guide to Therapies that can heal trauma:
These Therapies Can Heal Sexual Trauma (greatist.com)
Somatic (body-centered) Therapies
Trauma-informed and trauma-sensitive yoga
Animal Therapy for Trauma Survivors
BOOKS
Sexual Assault Survivors: Resources, Support Groups, and Therapy (greatist.com)
(General, Gender-Specific, LBGTQIA-Specific, People of Color, Reclaiming your sex life, Somatic Method & Yoga, and more.
About WomensLaw.org
(En Español)
Despite its name, WomensLaw.org provides information that is relevant to people of all genders, not just women. Our Email Hotline will provide legal information to anyone who reaches out with legal questions or concerns regarding domestic violence, sexual violence, or any other topic covered on WomensLaw.org.
About Abuse
These pages provide an overview of domestic violence and sexual assault as well as more detailed information about specific forms of abuse.
- Am I Being Abused? (Danger Assessment; Signs of Abuse)
- Forms of Abuse (Abuse Using Technology; Domestic Violence/Teen Violence; Emotional Abuse; Financial Abuse; Reproductive Abuse & Coercion; Sexual Abuse & Exploitation; Stalking & Cyberstalking; Litigation Abuse)
- Abuse in Specific Communities (Abuse Among People Living with AIDS/HIV; Abuse in Immigrant Communities; Abuse in Tribal Communities; Information for Teens & Young Adults; LBGTQIA Victims; Male Victims; Abuse in Jewish Community; Elder Abuse
- Safety Tips (Domestic Violence Victims; Stalking Victims; Safety Planning with Children; Safety in a Confidential Address; Safety in Court; Safety in Rural Areas; Safety While Using the Internet; Safety While Using Social Media
- In the Workplace (Sexual Harassment by a Co-Worker or Boss; Workplace Restraining Orders (filed by Employer)
Find Help (US Map)
Find Help for Yourself and for Others | WomensLaw.org
Click on your state (in the map or in the drop-down menu) to find contact information for:
- advocates in local domestic violence programs and shelters;
- legal assistance organizations;
- courthouse locations where you can file for a protection order; and
- sheriff departments. If you need to talk to someone about an abusive relationship, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
Legal Information (US Map)
Legal Information | WomensLaw.org
- Know the laws – By State
- Preparing for Court – By Yourself
- Immigration
- Federal Gun Laws
- Domestic Violence in the Military
- Videos
Helping Others
Helping Others | WomensLaw.org
- Family, Friends, Co-Workers
- Advocates
- Lawyers
- Doctors, Healthcare Professionals
- Salon Professionals
Womens Law Email Hotline: WomensLaw.org Email Hotline
Other Helpful Information:
Advocates and Shelters | WomensLaw.org (drop-down menu for your State)
National Organizations | WomensLaw.org (listed by subject matter)
Chat Rooms and Message Boards | WomensLaw.org
There are a variety of support services available to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault on the Internet. We have listed some of these resources.
Additional Resources
- Advocates and Shelters | WomensLaw.org (drop-down menu for your State)
- Click here to enter your zip code: Find Domestic Violence and Abuse Help, Information and Stats (domesticshelters.org)
Domestic Violence Support | The National Domestic Violence Hotline (thehotline.org)
- National Organizations | WomensLaw.org (listed by subject matter)
- Chat Rooms and Message Boards | WomensLaw.org
- VictimConnect (serves victims of crime in US (including assault, abuse, domestic violence, teen dating violence, trafficking, stalking, etc.), and make local referrals.
Mental Health Resources
