Sexual abuse represents any kind of sexual contact
between an adult or older teen and a child. It can include actual physical contact,
such as fondling or rape, but it also includes making a child watch sexual acts
or pornography, using a child in any aspect of the production of pornography,
or making a child look at an adult's genitals. This behavior is used to gain power
over the child and often involves a betrayal of the child's trust.
If you have been sexually abused, please
know that you are not alone, and it is possible to overcome the devastating effectsthat abuse can have on people for many
years to come if left un-dealt with.
Over
20% of the american population suffers from some form of sexual abuse before the
age of 18. Sexual abuse can happen to anyone - males and females, rich and poor,
white and black, from all backgrounds and from all walks of life.
Many
victims of childhood sexual abuse will have been abused by someone in the family
or a close family friend. Some will have been abused by a stranger, and although
that is what becomes reported in the news far more often, abuse happens far more
often by someone known to the child that they should have been able to trust to
protect them.
Studies show that
there is a relationship between sexual, emotional and/or physical abuse and the
development of an eating disorder. Many sufferers of sexual abuse have turned
to eating disorders and have found that their eating problem helps to protect
them, repress or block out their painful memories, and numbed their feelings.
Victims of sexual abuse most often develop "coping mechanisms" to survive
the memories of the abuse. Eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia, binge eating
and complusive eating disorder, are among these mechanisms.
Eating disorders
may have helped sexual abuse vicitms block out their feelings and memories for
a while, but it is a very destructive way of coping. For many sufferers of sexual
abuse, eating disorders have been their only means of survival for many years
and it is difficult to recover because of the fear to give it up. They are not
sure if they can survive without their eating disorder.
Individuals who are/were sexually abused
suffer from low self esteem and poor body image, and are at high risk for developing
an eating disorder due to an underlying negative body image.
There are two very important things for every sexual
abuse survivor to remember - First, it was not your fault, you did nothing wrong
and did not deserve this! Second, you do not have to struggle in silence and keep
your secret hidden because it is okay to talk about it.
Healing the emotional wounds of physical or sexual abuse IS possible!!!
It is important to seek professional help: Survivor’s of sexual
abuse need to be treated in a safe environment with a therapist who they like
and trust. If the person finds it too difficult to express themselves verbally,
writing is a good way for them to express what happened and how they are feeling.
Statistics cite one out
of four girls is sexually abused; one out of seven boys.
Young girls
who are sexually abused are more likely to develop eating disorders as adolescents.
Abused girls were more dissatisfied with their weight and more likely to diet
and purge their food by vomiting or using laxatives and diuretics. Abused girls
were also more likely to restrict their eating when they were bored or emotionally
upset. Food restriction and perhaps other eating disorder behaviors may (reflect)
efforts to cope with such experiences. Source: Stephen A. Wonderlich, M.D.,
et al, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Fargo,
Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 2000;391277-1283.
A lower rate of sexual abuse has been reported among people
with anorexia in relation to individuals with bulimia.
People with
bulimia and a history of sexual abuse tend to report a variety of impulsive
behaviours, including drug abuse, alcohol abuse, self-mutilation, and stealing.
Such behaviours often appear to serve the function of reducing self-awareness
and decreasing the intensity of feelings.
Famous Victims - Celebrities who experienced Sexual Abuse
There
are many celebrities who have been sexually abused, some of them went public about
their struggles, pain and feelings.
The following men and women are very
courageous to talk about their "dark secret" and I'd like to thank
them for their honesty, courage and openness.
The
41-year-old actress Teri Hatcher (Superman, Desperate Housewives) went
public with a dark secret from her childhood and revealed in an interview with
the magazine "Vanity Fair" that her uncle sexually molested her between
the ages of 5 and 9. She kept the abuse a secret until recently and never told
her parents about the molestation but suspects they might have known. Another
young girl that Teri's uncle molested for three years, commited suicide at the
age of 14 in 2002. Teri's 64-year-old uncle has been arrested, pleaded guilty
and received 14 years in prison for child molestation. At a press conference for
the Women's
World Awards, which are being held in New York on October 14th in 2006, Teri
Hatcher talked about being sexually molested as a child by her uncle. "It's
the choice to not remain silent. It's a choice to raise our voices in a strong
way to say to perpetrators that we are not going to be silent anymore." In her
book "Burnt Toast", Teri opens up about the little moments that
have sustained her through good times and bad.
Oprah
Winfrey , the most influential person on TV, who also struggles with disordered
eating, was sexually abused as a child. Oprah was raped at the age of nine by
her ninteen year old cousin and was repetedlu secually abused. At the age of fourteen
she was impregnated by one of her abusers. Her baby was born premature and died
shortly after birth.
Actress Gabrielle Union survived a brutal rape
when she was 19 years old. At the time, Gabrielle worked the late shift for a
shoe store during summer to earn some extra cash. Just before closing time, a
man came into the store, held a gun to Gabrielle's co-worker and forced the two
girls to go into the backroom of the store, where he raped Gabrielle. She says
she got through the terrible ordeal by spiritually leaving her body: "As he was
raping me, I felt as though I was floating over myself, thinking, 'This isn't
happening, ' and 'I'm perfect, I'm a good person, I'm a good student." After
the rape, Gabrielle managed to get control over the gun. "I popped the clip back
in and fired. I missed him, and he started to hit me. He was almost twice my size,
but it was a pretty fair fight for a while because I knew it was either him or
me. I kept trying to shoot him, but the trigger was jammed. It felt like a war.
Finally, he grabbed for the gun at the same second he punched me in the face,
and I let go. But, instead of killing me, he asked me how to get out, and he left."
After this happend, Gabrielle started seeing a therapist immediately afterwards
to help her deal with her painful memories. Today, Gabrielle speaks out about
her rape and recovery and to advocate for victims' rights and the importance of
counseling, which she received.
Country
singer and songwriter Wynonna Judd (one half of the legandary mother-daughter
duo 'The Juddds', and sister of actress Ashley Judd), who also struggles with
emotional eating and is on her journey towards healthy eating, suffered sexual
abuse as a child. In her book "Coming Home To Myself", Wynonna
tells her story and gives readers an honest insight in her life and emotions.
Actress
Anne Heche was sexually abused as a child by her father. Her father, a former
church choir director, who turned out to be gay and who lived a double life, died
of AIDS in 1984. In her controversial autobiography "Call Me Crazy"
published in 2001, Anne talks about the sexual abuse she experienced as a child
and her struggle to overcome these horrific events. Anne reveals that she spent
the first 31 years of her life suffering from mental illness that she says was
triggered by sexual abuse by her father.
Singer and songwriter
Fiona Apple became anorexic after being raped outside of her mother's home
at the age of twelve. She says she was not anorexic out of a desire to be thin,
but as a reaction to being raped. She also admitted to having self-injurious behaviours
in the past.
Model
Janice Dickinson, who also struggled with bulimia in the past, was emotionally,
physically and sexually abused as a child. Her late father abused her and her
sister. Janice wrote a book about her life called "No Lifeguard : The
Accidental Life of the World's First Supermodel", in which she talks
with brutal honesty about her struggles, addictions, good and bad times.
Singer and songwriter Tori Amos was brutally
raped and wrote a song called "Me and a Gun" about
her rape, surviving and healing. Tori talks about her abuse
in interviews, and was granted an award from the Washington,
D.C. Rape Crisis Center recently for her work in recovery
and in her establishment of a nationwide toll-free rape hotline.
Read the lyrics of "Me
and a Gun". Visit Tori
Amos' website.
Actress Tammy Lynne Michaels (married
to singer Melissa Etheridge) was molested for many years during
her childhood.
years of abuse she suffered as a child.
Irish singer and songwriter Sinead O'Connor
was physically, sexually and emotionally abused by her parents and expresses the
pain she feels in some of her songs and talks about her abuse in interviews. Visit
Sinead O'Connor's website.
In 1991, actress and comedian Rosanne Barr ("Rosanne")
reported that she, under therapy, had uncovered supressed memories of childhood
abuse. The book "My Sister Roseanne: The True Story of Roseanne Barr Arnold"
by Geraldine Barr, Rosanne's sister, is an invaluable portrait of Roseanne and
her family, and how her family coped with Roseanne's sexual abuse allegations
in the early 1990s.
Model and actress Sandra Dee (who
also struggled for many years with eating disorders and a drinking problem) publicly
acknolewdged that she was sexually abused at the age of 8 by her stepfather.
Actor Robert Blake was physically, sexually and emotionally abused by his
parents for many years. "My father was a sadistic madman and alcoholic who
killed himself when he was 48 years old. My mother was equally bad, if not worse,
because she saw what was happening and did nothing about it. She even encouraged
him to lock me in closets for days, to tie me up like a dog, to make me eat on
the floor, to sexually abuse me.
American poet Anne Sexton
(1928-1974), who also suffered from anorexia and depression, was sexually abused
in childhood and committed suicide at the age of 46, years before the existence
of any support groups or recovery-oriented therapies for survivors of child sexual
abuse. She discussed her abuse in psychoanalysis and some of the tapes have been
published in a book.
As she runs along the beach
Her thoughts hurt; out of reach Her feet dig into the soft sand
She runs; she hides; her life planned
She looks out on the
distant sea Her thoughts lost; where is me? Why do I have to live this
life The pain cuts like a knife
The buildings stand
resolute Above the beach; their silence mute The waves crash on the
shore below Her thoughts whirl; everything slow
What
would happen; she thought inside If I just ran to the waves to hide;
If I just let them take me in If I just let them hide my sin
What
would it be like to step away From this life that held her at bay To
stop the pain and anguish beneath To belay the misery; internal grief
She continues to run, full speed ahead Just one step
to the right; she's dead The waves would take her; problems gone She
would not feel the guilt; it is the norm
Why you may ask
is she here Running the beach; terror near Wanting to end it; wanting
to hide Wanting to take relief in suicide?
Her father
molested her for many years Her father brought forward many tears Fear
was beyond mention; ever there Back in the car; she knew no care
For
she would have to continue on Hiding, dreading; happiness gone She would
have to deal with her dad Touching; taunting; eternally sad
For
now years on the pain is still there But now she has found others that truly
care She remembers back; the moment gone She remembers of this time;
forlorn
For if she had taken her life She would not
be a loving wife Her kids would not be now and here Others would live
with this frightening fear
There would be no tears tonight
She would be forgotten; forever in fright No one would know what lay
beneath The fear; the awful pain of grief
This poem
would not be read to Spreading the message of grief to you She would
be a tombstone covered in moss Laying beneath a large wooden cross
Her life fulfilled now; many years on The pain still there, but the horror
gone She worked through what it all meant And her father now; reported,
100 percent
For more information, articles and poems on sexual abuse, go to www.whitedovesnest.com
- a site dedicated to survivors of sexual abuse and those that support them.
She Is Alone by Whitedove
She hides alone beneath the bed
Her tears fall; nothing said She stares up; the springs all rusty The
room dry; dark and musty
Why is she there you all may ask
It is her one and only task To hide, to shelter in fear alone To
hide from her father; the old crone
Her fear surmounts as
he walks the hall The footsteps louder; strong and tall; She huddles
closer under the bed She is quiet; for nothing will be said
She hides because of his unwanted advances She is a survivor of his awful
glances The hands and stares; the indirected trust The violation; fears
a must
Footsteps by the bedroom door She is caught
up in a dreadful war Between her and him; hiding and scare She is alone;
lifes not fair
Her heart continues to pound aloud She
is far from the maddening crowd The footsteps pause; she huddles near
Her one wish; to be without fear
He continues on down the
house She is quiet; like a mouse Scared and huddled; her mind fast
She does not think that she will last
She stays there for
quite a while Her face does not show a happy smile She does not know
what to do So she huddles there; her teddy too
She stares
out the window sill She thinks of him; his iron will Fear rules her life;
for now and years TO be filled of fright and many tears
Her daddy should be a stout supporter Not frightening his own daughter
With his touches and his taunts With his awful glares that daunt
For now thinking back on this scene I could see what it does mean She
is strong; she could hide Protecting herself in her stride
The
years of abuse took its toll The hiding; made her feel so small But
now she has a loud voice It is her one and only choice
That
no child should cope with fear For the memory years on; still so near
But she knows this scene is unending Hidden from society; never bending
Next
time you see a child fear Remember this rhyme; it could be near Think
that this could be happening too Perhaps closer still; even to you.
Copyright
Whitedove 2005
For more information, articles and poems on
sexual abuse, go to www.whitedovesnest.com
- a site dedicated to survivors of sexual abuse and those that support them.
What Love Does by Whitedove
If only I could tell you; what you mean
to me then I would not explain; for you could truly see My life was in
turmoil, full of pain and fear then you came flying in; just to be so near
My pain was unbelievable, the light was nearly gone
The soul was tormented, dark and dreadfully worn My thoughts were overflowing;
crying waterfalls of tears But you were there beside me; releasing all my
fears
If only I could tell you; then you would know for sure
Fear was a barrier; I wanted to give you more Experience had told me;
that life was hard indeed That there was evil everywhere; it had sown its
dire seed
My heart forever vigilant, terror so close to
me The fear was raging; unable to let me be You were there encouraging;
being on my side I did not want to fear no more; I did not want to hide
If
only I could tell you; to let you glimpse a bit Of the fear that touched me; the
candle that you lit Burning deep inside me; the anger was there to see I was unable
to face the fear; without you there with me
Carefully I moved
forward; It took quite a while It was your encouragement; your jokes that
made me smile You held my hand so tightly, your hugs so very close Your
love internally needed; for the pain that hurt the most
Now
years later, after the day that we met I remember the pain; the pain I will
not forget With you by my side, I can be forever free Thank you from
my heart, thank you from me.
Copyright Whitedove 2005
For
more information, articles and poems on sexual abuse, go to www.whitedovesnest.com
- a site dedicated to survivors of sexual abuse and those that support them.
Uncle Liam was very kind to me again. He gave me more
candies when I went to his grocery shop that morning. He always did. But I did
not understand why he likes to touch and pinch my cheek.
My visit to Uncle
Liam’s shop was quite frequent. He has a daughter about my age and we played together
a lot. Mom and dad got to know him because he was the friendly neighborhood grocery
shop owner who always treated his customers well. He even sent orders right at
our doorsteps.
It’s been three years since I moved to this part of the
country with my mom. Dad was away working in another foreign land and he thought
that it would be best that we stayed somewhere close to my grandma.
That
day Uncle Liam told me that his wife would be away to her mother’s house for many
days. They are going to have another baby and she wants her mother to take care
of her during the confinement period. I did not know what it meant but it did
not matter.
He asked whether I would like to keep his daughter’s company
and spend a few nights so that we could play, have fun and sleep together. After
getting mom’s permission I was happy to be spending lots of time with my friend,
Maria.
There was no bed lamp in Maria’s room. The only light was from the
rays that penetrated through the translucent window shutters. I was not afraid
though, just not used to her room. But sleep came finally.
And then I was
awakened and saw this figure above me. He looked like Uncle Liam. He put his index
finger on his lips, a gesture that I guessed was to tell me to keep quiet. Then
he lifted me and carried me to another room. He laid me down and neither of us
said anything. He pulled down my pajama pants, unbuttoned my blouse and touched
me.
That happened thirteen years ago. And today I heard of his death. He
was twenty years my senior but I still thought that he was rather young to meet
his creator. He has brought along to his grave the secret that we both shared.
Oh…No, I have not forgiven. This man whom my parents trusted and whom I
regard as an uncle has shattered my youthful spirit, my dignity and my whole life.
If only my parent’s, teachers and friends knew why I misbehaved, probably
they would feel more compassionate. But I can’t bear to tell my mom. It would
break her heart. And dad was never around. And when he was it was like I did not
exist.
My soul weeps in pain. There I was, a ten year old girl who has
not even physically developed myself into a woman. There was nothing about me
that would have enticed anyone sexually.
I felt I was not worthy enough
for anyone, not even myself. I punished myself by having illicit affairs. I did
drugs and almost took my own life. And I when I awakened on the hospital bed,
I was still fully alive. As the years went by, I was only a few steps away from
a correction home or the jail.
It was a long and painful journey to remove
the guilt and shame that I carried with me. It was a journey of pain and sufferings,
of identifying my personality and my sense of self.
It was courage, determination
and a decision to fight back that brought me back my life. I have punished myself
enough and I was destroying my life more than what he did to me. I finally admitted
that it was not my fault. I was one of the unfortunate children to have to go
through sexual abuse.
Fatimah Musa provides information, tips and quotes
to help people become aware that any future success starts with their personal
growth. You can visit Fatimah at http://www.about-personal-growth.com
Sexual Abuse And Eating Disorders by Mark Schwartz
Publisher:
Brunner/Mazel Publication Date: February 1, 1996 ISBN: 0-876-307-942
Is Sexual Abuse A Risk Factor
For Developing An Eating Disorder?
This is the first book to explore the complex
relationship between sexual abuse and the eating disorders. Sexual abuse is both
an extreme boundary violation and a disruption of attachment and bonding; victims
of such abuse are likely to exhibit symptoms of self-injury, including eating
disorders. The introduction to this volume is a brief but fascinating discussion
of the many ways that sexual abuse and eating disorders are related, and the prologue
that follows is an account by a survivor of both.
The Courage To Heal by Ellen Bass and Laura Davis
A Guide For Women Survivors Of Child Sexual Abuse
Publisher:
Collins Publication Date: June 29, 1994 3rd Edition - Revised and Expanded
ISBN: 0-060-950-668
The Courage to Heal is an inspiring,
comprehensive guide that offers hope and encouragement to every woman who, was
sexually abused as a child -- and those who care about her. Although the effects
of child sexual abuse are long-term and severe, healing is possible. The authors
weave personal experience with professional knowledge to show the reader how she
can come to terms with her past while moving powerfully into the future.
A
Child's Heart Speaks - Surviving Sexual Abuse is
a heart breaking and compelling true story of two children
who survived severe sexual abuse from a juvenile perpetrator—their
older half brother. The reader gains a true glimpse
into the personality, and tactics used by juveniles
and adults to manipulate children into silence. The
story serves as a
call to action for all adults who care about children.
Healing
from Sexual Child Abuse is Possible- by Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD
- You are not alone. Many men and women experience this kind of pain. Many, if
not most, do not know sexual abuse/incest is the cause of their emotional/physical
pain. They attribute these maladies to their inadequacy for the rigors of adult
life or genetic abnormality.
Is Your
Child Safe From Sexual Abuse?- by Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD - If
you have taught your child all the rules of "stranger danger" you have protected
him/her from a 1% change of being sexually abused. This leaves your child vulnerable
to the most likely sexual child abuse offender, family members or other trusted
adults. 80% of children are sexually abused by a family member, 19% are abused
by someone the child knows and trusts.
Signs
of Physical/Sexual Child Abuse in Adults - by Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD
- All too often psychiatrists, social workers, psychologists and medical doctors
miss the obvious signs of adult survivors of child sexual abuse. Furthermore,
medical and psychiatric professionals treat symptoms and ignore the root cause
of the problem. In order to heal it is imperative that the root cause is identified
and healed. Healing the emotional wounds of physical or sexual abuse is possible.
How to Be Supportive of a Mate Who Has Been
Sexually Abused or Assaulted - by Rhiannon Wilkinson - Sexual abuse
or assault is arguably the most psychologically damaging occurrence that can happen
in a person's life. The profound impact of the person abused can be seen in one
or all of the following symptoms...
Sexual
Abuse Recovery - What to Do & What to Avoid - If Your Partner is a Survivor -
by Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD - The recovery process for physical or sexual
abuse survivors requires a multifaceted therapeutic process, facilitated by a
professional who is trained in mind, body, spirit healing. Traditional therapy
is not effective for physical or sexual abuse recovery. Here are some practical
Do's and Things to Avoid.
How Often Does
Child Sexual Abuse Get Reported? - by Judy H. Wright - How often does
child sexual abuse get reported? Not nearly as often as it should. Most child
abuse victims never report the crime or get help in coming to grips with this
life-changing trauma. They move into adulthood with a broken heart and low self
esteem.
The Cost of Child Abuse-
by Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD - The U.S. Department of Health and Human services
estimated 906,000 children were victims of child abuse or neglect in 2003. While
physical injuries may or may not be immediately visible, abuse and neglect can
have consequences for children, families, and society that last lifetimes, if
not generations.
Child Abuse Statistics
- by Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD - In 2003, 48.3 percent of child victims
were male; 51.7 percent of victims were female. 83.9 percent of victims were abused
by a parent. 40.8% of child victims were maltreated by their mothers acting alone;
another 18.8 percent were maltreated by their fathers acting alone; 16.9 percent
were abused by both parents.
What Does
"Just Say No to Abuse" Mean?- by Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD - "Just
Say No to Abuse" can mean many things to each individual. But what does "Abuse"
mean? Does "Abuse" mean we will stop hitting/spanking/paddling children as a form
of discipline, because to the child being hit/spanked/paddled is abuse?
Sexual
Abuse Recovery--Finding the Right Professional - by Dorothy M. Neddermeyer,
PhD - The five key questions to ask a potential professional to know if they
are qualified to help you move through the difficult journey to recovery.
Sexual
Child Abuse Knows No Gender - by Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD - Male
Sexual Abuse Survivors face the same emotional, mental, physical and spiritual
trauma women survivors face with two exceptions—they judge themselves more harshly,
and they have difficulty recognizing/believing they have been abused or that the
abuse could possibly affect them.
Common
Myths About Child Sexual Abuse and Incest - by Dorothy M. Neddermeyer,
PhD - The majority of people find sexual abuse and incest even more difficult
to believe or accept when the sex offender is someone they like, admire, love,
and/or marry. Tragically, the unwillingness to accept the facts concerning sex
offenders leaves children vulnerable to becoming victims and increases the likelihood
they will be abused.
7 Top Tips for Protecting
a Child - by Michelle Annese - It has been said "children are our most
valuable resource". It is absolutely necessary we take positive measures to insure
their safety and prevent them from becoming a victim of crime. Whether they're
your own child, your brother or sister, neighbor, or child you frequently baby
sit, take a few minutes right now to know how you can protect them.
Joshua
Children's Foundation provides information, resources, links and help in the
healing process of victims of sexual child abuse. Whether you are a child or an
adult surviver of childhood sexual child abuse, you can find helpful sources and
suggestions on this website to help in your healing. Bulimia and eating disorders
are often caused from childhood sexual abuse. This website offers how and where
to find healing resources, how to find and select a therapist, recommended books,
and a lending library.
Whitedoves Nest
- This site is from a survivor, dedicated to survivors of sexual abuse and those
that support them. It provides information on sexual abuse, personal stories,
articles, inspiration and help to those affected by sexual abuse, rape and molestation.
and support group that focuses on aiding both current and past victims
of child abuse, sexual abuse, and domestic violence. This website is an interactive,
personal support related website dedicated to helping each other through the pain
and fear of an abusive relationship. It provides a comprehensive International
Directory of shelters, hotlines and organizations that can provide help for potential
victims. In addition to the national abuse resource listing is a comprehensive
discussion forum where users can create their own virtual identity within complete
confidentiality.
After Silence
- promoting awareness on rape and sexual abuse - After Silence is a community
designed to help survivors communicate in the recovery of rape and sexual abuse.
Our mission is to support, empower,
validate and educate survivors of rape and sexual abuse, as well
as secondary survivors.
"I have recently joined After
Silence after coming across the site while surfing the web. Hesitant at first,
I read what was discussed on the board for a while, and found it informative and
wanted to participate in topics being discussed. I took the bold step, and signed
up -- choosing my username so I could remain anonymous. I soon found myself participating
in topics of interest, posting my poetry, adding in my information and chatting
with others via the "chat software". I found myself talking with other survivors
in my own country and others discussing good times and bad in a positive way.
I urge anyone wishing to explore further avenues of healing to check out this
site" (anonymous)
After Silence Forum
- a message board for survivors of rape and sexual abuse. After Silence is a community
designed to help survivors communicate in the recovery of rape, sexual abuse and
domestic violence.
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National
Network (RAINN) is the nation's largest anti-sexual assault organization.
RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline and carries out programs to
prevent sexual assault, help victims
and ensure that rapists are brought to justice.
PANdora's Box
- The Secrecy of Child Sexual Abuse - by Dr. Nancy Faulkner - A great resource
with lots of useful information on sexual abuse, including statistics, stories
and poems, sexual abuse and the law, prevention and protection, and much much
more.
Escaping
Hades - A Rape and Sexual Abuse Survivor's Site from a Survivor of Sexual
Abuse - Here you find lots of information on sexual abuse, how to tell, guilt
and shame, side effects, legal issues, self defense, survivor's stories, poems,
and much more.
Abused Empowered Survive
Thrive - (AEST) - Supporting adult survivors of sexual abuse since March 1997,
60+ support forums for survivors of abuse, multiple chat rooms and
information for survivors of childhood and adult sexual abuse or rape; for
both female and male sexual abuse survivors from the UK and around the world.
Also related subjects such as date rape, male rape, panic attack, eating disorders,
self harm, and inner child work.
A
Child's Heart Speaks - Surviving Sexual Abuse is
a heart breaking and compelling true story of two children
who survived severe sexual abuse from a juvenile perpetrator—their
older half brother. The reader gains a true
glimpse into the personality, and tactics used by juveniles
and adults to manipulate children into silence. The
story serves as a call to action for all adults who
care about children.
