Two New Resources for Rape Survivors
Since my original post on resources for rape survivors, 10 Things to Do If You Have Been Raped, I have received hundreds of emails from readers who are looking for resources that can help them survive the first stages of healing from rape. Since then, I’ve been searching for “first aid” resources, resources that can provide immediate support and help for people who are in a crisis and need help NOW.
It has taken a year, but I have found two resources that I feel are the best resources out there for rape survivors in crisis. They are both easily accessible, friendly, and best of all, they are provided by people who know exactly what rape survivors need in order to heal. Enough from me. Here they are:
RAINN National Sexual Assault Online Hotline
Two weeks ago, I got an email from RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) informing me that RAINN has created an online hotline similar to their famous telephone hotline (1-800-565-HOPE). I almost jumped for joy. I get emails every day from readers asking me if I know of a good online support line for rape survivors, and now, finally, I can recommend one.
For those who don’t know, RAINN has been running a hotline for rape survivors since 1994. For a lot of survivors, this hotline has been their only source of support. It’s a great resource and it has helped millions of rape survivors.
However, calling a hotline can be very intimidating, and it can be even harder to talk to someone one-on-one about being raped. A lot of the survivors that I have spoken to say that they don’t use hotlines because they are afraid that someone will overhear them or that they will say the wrong thing.
Now, the new RAINN online hotline provides an alternative for survivors who aren’t comfortable using the phone. It allows survivors to communicate directly with a RAINN counsellor in a totally secure, private chatroom setting. RAINN has set the chatroom up to be completely anonymous. The software will not track you or your computer, and the counsellor won’t ask you where you live or who you are. They are just there to help you if you have been raped and you are in crisis. It is totally private, totally anonymous, and you are in total control of the conversation.
Check it out.
RAINN National Sexual Assault Online Hotline
Beginning To Heal
I get a lot of emails from people asking if I can recommend a good “first book” for childhood sexual abuse survivors, sort of a first aid guide to help get through those painful and confusing early days of healing. Until now, I haven’t been able to recommend anything, but two months ago, someone directed me to the book “Beginning To Heal” by Ellen Bass and Laura Davis.
Beginning to Heal is actually a condensed version of “The Courage To Heal,” also by Ellen and Laura, and it is set up as a quick, easy-to-follow guide to the major elements of healing from sexual abuse. It is a well-written, friendly and helpful book, and it will help you explore and understand how your abuse is affecting you, and how you can begin to heal the damage that it has caused. It’s the book I wish I had back when I was beginning my recovery.
You can read more about Beginning to Heal at the Harper Collins website and even buy a copy. Also, your local library may have a copy. If you need a guide for your healing, I can’t recommend this book enough.
Mental Health Personal Growth Rape Support
Marisa responds:
Posted: July 23rd, 2008 at 3:19 pm →
Dear Scott: Thank you for the info. about the RAINN Online Hotline! I’m a big Tori Amos fan, so I’m familiar with RAINN, but the fact that the hotline is now also online is news to me (but great news - go RAINN!)! Thanks too for your Site, which I just discovered and am beginning to explore (love the title, by the way!). Best wishes to you!
Scott Davis responds:
Posted: July 23rd, 2008 at 8:22 pm →
Hi Marisa,
Glad you like it. I haven’t heard much about the hotline since I wrote this article, but I think it’s definitely a great resource.
Take care,
Scott
Julie responds:
Posted: August 18th, 2008 at 9:51 pm →
Glad to see you are writing again. : )