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Sexual Abuse / Incest / Rape

Resource. Support groups in the Boston, MA area. Founded 1980. Provides educational and resource materials for female and male survivors of childhood sexual abuse, and the professionals who work with them. International listing of survivor self-help groups, manual for starting survivor self-help groups and many other resources. For complete information send self-addressed envelope with two 1st class stamps.
Write:
Cambridge Women's Center
46 Pleasant Street
Cambridge, MA 02139
Website: http://www.incestresourcesinc.org
Verified: 10/13/2010

International. 300 groups. Founded 1982. 12-Step. Program for men and women, 18 yrs. or older, who have been victims of child sexual abuse, are not abusing any child and want to be survivors. Newsletter $15/yr., literature $30/13 pieces. Offers assistance in starting groups, volunteer information, referral line and speakers' bureau. Send self-addressed stamped envelope when writing (include a donation if possible).
Write:
SIA
P.O. Box 190
Benson, MD 21018-9998
Voice: 410-893-3322
Website: http://www.siawso.org
E-mail: feedback@siawso.org
Verified: 10/14/2010

International. Founded 1980. Uses 12-step/12-traditions, principles and tools of recovery. Fellowship of men, women and teens who meet to share their experience, strength and hope so that they may recover from their incest experiences and break free to freedom and a new peace of mind. Open to anyone sexually abused as a child (abuser does not have to be a family member). Offers several packets of information, pen pals, I.S.A. E-mail Family Letter, CDs and cassettes. Not open to initiators, pedophiles, child molesters or Satanists. Provides assistance in starting I.S.A. groups. When writing send a self-addressed stamped envelope (2 stamps).
Write:
I.S.A.
P.O. Box 17245
Long Beach, CA 90807-7245
Voice: 562-428-5599
Website: http://www.lafn.org/medical/isa
E-mail: isa@lafn.org
Verified: 12/11/2009

National. Founded 1995. Information and referrals for male survivors of sexual assault and the professionals working with them. Conference every two years, referrals to local resources, newsletter, periodic regional retreats offered, online bulletin board and chatroom.
Write:
Male Survivor
PMB 103, 5505 Connecticut Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20015-2601
Voice: 1-800-738-4181
Website: http://www.malesurvivor.org
Verified: 11/18/2009

International. 11 affiliated groups. Founded 1991. Mutual support for adult survivors of physical, sexual and/or emotional child abuse or neglect. Encourages victims to become survivors, then thrivers. Online support group meetings, phone meetings, monthly newsletter, group starter manuals and general information. Offers assistance in starting groups.
Write:
Adult Survivors
P.O. Box 14477
San Francisco, CA 94114-0038
Voice: 415-928-4576
Website: http://www.ascasupport.org
E-mail: ascaoutreach@yahoo.com
Verified: 10/5/2010

Online. Support for anyone who has a loved one who was sexually abused. Offers mutual support and understanding. Provides chatroom, e-group and message board.
Website: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/positivepartnersofsurvivors
Verified: 10/13/2010

International. 50+ affiliated groups. Founded 1989. Support for men and women who were sexually abused by any clergy person (priest, brother, nun, deacon, teacher, etc.) Extensive phone network, newsletter, advocacy, conferences, information and referrals. Information on finding support groups. Dues $25 (optional).
Write:
SNAP
P.O. Box 6416
Chicago, IL 60680-6416
Voice: 1-877-762-7432
Website: http://www.snapnetwork.org
E-mail: snapblaine@hotmail.com
Verified: 10/13/2010

Online. Founded 1999. Provides support, education and resources to sexual violence survivors and their supporters. Operates an online support group, message board and chatroom for rape and sexual abuse survivors. Offers a Sexual Assault Lending Library, which lends materials on sexual violence and recovery, free of charge. Newsletter, literature and national conference.
Website: http://www.pandorasaquarium.org
Verified: 5/3/2010

Online. Moderated forum that provides mutual support for abuse survivors learning to thrive.
Website: http://isurvive.org
E-mail: isurvive@hushmail.com
Verified: 10/11/2010

The above information was "verified" as correct on the date at the end of each entry. Since American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse's database is extensive but staffing is limited and information for these organizations can change, it is not possible to keep every entry in American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse database completely current and accurate. Please check with the organizations listed for the most current information.

For additional information on self-help groups, please visit the American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse web site at http://www.mentalhelp.net/selfhelp

If you find information that is not current, please contact American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse at: admin@selfhelpgroups.org

WebMD Medical Reference from the American Self-Help Clearinghouse

Last Updated: May 11, 2011

This information is provided as a resource and does not constitute an endorsement for any group. It is the responsibility of the reader to decide whether a group is appropriate for his/her needs. For evidence-based information on diseases, conditions, symptoms, treatment and wellness issues, continue searching this site.This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.