::updated 5/08::


What is Child Abuse & Neglect?

Child Welfare Information Gateway
PreventChildAbuse.com
National Council on Child Abuse & Family Violence
National Voice for Children
ChildSafe.org
Focus Adolescent Services
Caremark Health Resources
ChildTrauma.org

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About Adult Survivors of Child Abuse
Texas Woman's University offers information on this site that can be helpful for those trying to determine whether they may have experienced abuse or neglect as children. This page also addresses some of the long-term results of abuse and offers suggestions about getting help to recover from them.

Risk Factors for Child Neglect
This page from New York State Citizens' Coalition for Children gives an easy-to-read profile of the kinds of families prone to child neglect.

Stress and Child Abuse: The Past Hurts
From the Lifestyle section of A Healthy Me!, this article by Consumer Health reporter Chris Woolston features a study published in the Journal of Child Abuse & Neglect; the study found that by age 21, up to 80% of abuse and neglect survivors are likely to have developed a psychiatric condition, including depression and anxiety disorders.

Emotional Abuse
From the Emotional Intelligence website comes this mini-site about aspects of emotional abuse and its impact within different kinds of relationships including the mother-child relationship.

Dysfunctional Families
A very concise article by Richard Niolon, PhD, written for PsychPages' Partners & Couple's section.

The Basic Roles In Dysfunctional Families
This Suite 101 article describes the roles that children assume in order to find some individuality in dysfunctional families.

The Past Won't Let Me Go
"When I told my parents their emotional and verbal abuse hurt me growing up, they broke off contact. Now they're trying to see my kids behind my back." A letter to Salon.com's advice column Since You Asked by Cary Tennis.

Adult Children of Narcissists
Elizabeth Svoboda of Psychology Today talks with Sam Vaknin (author, Malignant Self Love: Narcissism) about growing up with an extremely dysfunctional parent.

Verbal Abuse: The Silent Abuse
Much is made of physical abuse of children - unfortunately, just as painful, verbal abuse is little discussed and much practiced. An article by journalist Connie Newbauer from Suite101.com's Early Childhood Development section.

Parents' Verbal Abuse Leaves Long-Term Legacy
Parents who verbally abuse may be wounding their children's psyches so deeply that the effects remain apparent into adulthood. An article by Joan Arehart-Treichel for Psychiatric News, a publication from the American Psychiatric Association (APA).

Emotional Incest: A Devastating Child Abuse
When a mentally abusive parent relies on a child to meet adult emotional needs. A column by Robert Burney, MA.

Healing the Abandonment Wounds
From Mental Health Today, an essay by Margaret Paul, PhD, looks at child neglect and traumatic abandonment, its effects on brain development and personality and the long-term harm it has on an adult survivor's relationships and self-image.

Verbal Abuse Triggers Adult Anxiety, Depression
A new study by Florida State University researchers found that people who were verbally abused as children grow up to be intensely self-critical adults. Article by Jill Elish.

Facts About the Children of Alcoholics
This fact sheet from the American Academy of Child Adolescent Psychiatry describes the impact of growing up with an alcoholic in the home.

Alcoholism and Its Effect on the Family
AllPsych.com's Tetyana Parsons examines adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs), the problems they face and the disconnect that often prevents them from relating their problems to having an alcoholic parent.

The Alcoholic Family of Origin
In this issue of the online women's magazine Commitment, the Family section features a great collection of articles focusing on growing up in an alcoholic household.

Exploring the Role of Child Abuse in Later Drug Abuse
As many as 2/3 of those in drug treatment report childhood abuse. However, researchers are still are confronted with broad gaps in information. Learn more in this piece by Neil Swan of NIDA Notes, official newsletter of the National Institute on Drug Abuse . (NIDA is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) , a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).

Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy
A look at this difficult-to-detect, potentially fatal type of child abuse, in which a parent or care-taker fakes or causes illnesses in a child in order to draw attention and sympathy to themselves.

eMedicine: Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy
An article breaking down the risk factors, symptoms and causes of MSBP. Written by Jon Donavon Mason, MD and Michael P Poirier, MD.

Childhood Abuse Changes the Brain
A study published in Cerebrum demonstrated that childhood abuse and neglect results in permanent physical changes to the developing human brain significant enough to cause psychological and emotional problems in adulthood.

Childhood Abuse Hurts the Brain
This Harvard University Gazette article delves into the findings of Martin Teicher, associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Teicher's research with the brain scans of child abuse survivors reveals a reduction in the size of sensitive areas of the brain and abnormal brain waves that mimic epilepsy.

About Adults Abused During Childhood
An article from the Meers Foundation on the maladaptive coping skills abused children bring into adult life. Often these result in things such as difficulties in developing and sustaining relationships or making poor selections in partners.

PTSD & Dealing With Abusive Parents
A Q&A letter to Psych Central, with an insightful and compassionate reply from Kristina Randle, Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Severe PTSD Damages Children's Brains
Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital found that childhood PTSD effects the brain structure important in memory processing and emotion.

Child Abuse and Depression
Significant adult depression can result from abuse was experienced in childhood. A two part article written by Ellen McGrath, featured in Psychology Today.

Child Abuse & Child Deaths in Cults & Sects
From Factnet.org (Fight Against Coercive Tactics Network), a global network of former cult members and professionals who assist victims of cults, mind control, psychological coercion and fundamentalism.

Long Term Consequences of Abuse & Neglect
A well-researched publication from the Child Welfare Information Gateway, this fact sheet provides an overview of some of the most common long term physical, psychological, behavioral, and societal consequences of child abuse and neglect. Also available en Español.

Effects on Children That Witness Abuse
Witnessing domestic violence can be just as devastating to children as being the target of abuse themselves. An article from Kelli Deister, editor of BellaOnline's Child Abuse section.

Q & A: Memories of Childhood Abuse
From the American Psychological Association's APA Online site, a FAQ about reported memories of childhood abuse and understanding how repressed, recovered, or suggested memories may occur.

MenStuff.com: A Look at Abuse
An enormous offering of information covering child abuse as pertaining to the male survivor. Recommended articles and books, info links, statistics and personal stories are all presented in a straight forward format, including a section on recovering and healing from abuse.

Hidden Scars: How Child Abuse Affects the Brain
Physicist, winner of a Guggenheim fellowship and former editor for Scientific American, Madhusree Mukerjee describes psychobiological changes in the brain development of a child exposed to abuse in the home.

Child Abuse
A collection of web sites, forums and other online resources about child abuse, including news, electronic lists, reporting, survivor issues, prevention, parenting and other issues. Compiled by About.com.

The Root of Child Abuse
An article from the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. Focuses on perpetrators who abuse children by burning them and some of the extreme responses children may eventually have when abused in this manner.

PTSD & Childhood Trauma
The Uplift Program's Bob Murray, PhD, discusses the link between PTSD, depression and childhood trauma.

Surviving Childhood: A Child Called "It"
Dave Pelzer, the award winning author of A Child Named "It", recounts his abused childhood and recovery. A page from The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Helping Yourself Heal: For Men
Subtitled "A Recovering Man's Guide to Coping with the Effects of Childhood Abuse", this e-brochure is in [PDF] format and is also available in Spanish). See also: Helping Yourself Heal: For Women, subtitled "A Recovering Woman's Guide to Coping with the Effects of Childhood Abuse", this e-brochure is in [PDF] format and is also available in Spanish).

Breaking the Cycle of Abuse
This article from Caremark Health Resources discusses the importance of coming to terms with a childhood of abuse, offers suggestions and reveals the benefits of this kind of healing work.

Healing Childhood Abuse and Neglect
An article by Patty E Fleener, MSW, written for the incredible Mental-Health-Today.com site.

Suite101: Inner Child Healing Work
A 20-part series written by Robert Burney: 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 • 11 • 12 • 13 • 14 • 15 • 16 • 17 • 18 • 19 • 20 •

Adult Survivor of Child Abuse
How does one get past the grief of being abused during childhood? It is not an easy road to walk down. But, thankfully, child abuse survivors can have healing and peace of mind. It may take some effort, but it is usually worth the effort. From essortment.com; an informative article for adult survivors of child abuse who are grieving their childhood and loss.

Childhood Abuse Recovery
Understanding and overcoming the long-term effects of childhood sexual, physical and emotional abuse is possible. Here are some great suggestions from WholeLifeGym.com.

Abuse Survivors Effective Treatment & Healing Approaches
Psychotherapist.org's Judy Lightstone, PhD, discusses using non-traditional methods like EMDR and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to heal from child abuse.

Healing From Childhood Abuse
How can victims of childhood abuse become survivors and start down the path of healing? An article from Suite101.com

Help for Child Abuse
Articles and resources for child abuse victims, adult survivors of child abuse, and professionals who are helping victims of child abuse.

Recommended Reads from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network
This reading list includes important recent work as well as classic books and articles on child physical abuse and neglect by Network and other experts in the field.

Surviving Childhood Abuse
Childhood abuse can consist of many different experiences. Adults who have lived through experiences of abuse are often referred to as "adult survivors of childhood abuse". Statistics are difficult to obtain because of the secrecy and shame that so often surround such abuse. But such abuse occurs in all races, religions and economic classes.

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Admit To Child Abuse
Adult Child Abuse Survivors
Adult Children of Child Abuse
Adult Children of Mentally Ill Parents Forum
Adult Children of Narcissists & Psychopaths
Adults Recovering from Narcissistic Parents
Adult Survivors of Child Abuse & Neglect Forum
Adult Survivors of Munchausen By Proxy Abuse
Angel Survive Interactive Abuse Victim Support Centre
ASCA Info: Adult Survivors of Child Abuse
Child Abuse Survivors Confidential
Childhood Emotional & Physical Abuse MSN Group
Children of Bipolar Parents
Dealing With Abusive Parents Forum
iSurvive.org: Physical & Emotional Child Abuse Survivor Forum
Jenny's Child Abuse Survivor Support
NAPAC Support Forums (National Association for People Abused As Children)
National Network of Adults/Adolescents With Mentally Ill Parents
No More Tears
Oprah.com Community: Adults Abused as Children
Physical Abuse Survivors
Victims of Munchausen/Factitious Disorder
Survivors KC
Survivors of Dysfunctional Families Group
Survivors Sanctuary
The Abuse Survivor's Network
Verbal Abuse Bulletin Board
Wednesday's Child: Adults Emotionally Abused As Children

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Adult Children of Alcoholics - World Service
ACOA is a 12 Step program where people who grew up in alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional homes meet with each other in a mutually respectful, safe environment. Members learn about how childhood affected them in the past and influences them in the present.

Adult Children of Mentally Ill Parents
Although based in Australia, this excellent website has an international forum.

AAaC Worldwide
Adults Abused As Children informs and support adults abused in childhood and seeks to help erase the stigma of shame, guilt and denial. AAaC also seeks to increase awareness of the long-term consequences of childhood abuse. Contains information for survivors, surveys, personal stories and different discussion forums.

Alanon & Alateen
The Al-Anon Family Groups are a 12 Step fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics. This site is also available en Español.

ASARian Inc
ASARian, Inc, is a non-profit organization created to provide an electronic safe haven for survivors of childhood abuse. Its purpose is to offer a full range of safe internet services to survivors, including resources, information of healing and other realted concerns, chat programs, and email support lists to assist ongoing healing and recovery. These services are provided free of charge.

Adult Survivors of Child Abuse
ASCA supports and assists survivors of child abuse, encouraging them to transform from victims to survivors to thrivers. ASCA was created with the intention of guaranteeing all survivors of childhood abuse access to a superior program focused on recovery and healing. Their services are offered to all regardless of financial situation.

Bikers Against Child Abuse International
While BACA doesn't condone the use of violence or physical force, if circumstances arise where BACA members are the only obstacle protecting a child from abuse, members are ready to be that obstacle. Perhaps the coolest motorcycle club on the planet.

Catharsis Foundation/SCARRED
The Catharsis Foundation is a non-profit organization created to encourage survivors of all forms of child abuse to disclose their experiences. Surviving Child Abuse Recovery & Research, Exposure & Disclosure (SCARRED) is the Foundation's website which offers survivors free membership in an online support community. There's also a book give-away, access to research and lawyers, an archive of court cases, an online abuser registry, reviews of books by survivors, a virtual book store, and a page on which survivors can recommend published works on child abuse and healing.

eNotAlone.com: Child Abuse
An index of book excerpts, essays and articles, a discussion forum and more.

HAVOCA
Help for Adult Victims of Child Abuse is a UK organization of volunteers established to provide help, support and guidance to adult survivors of child abuse. The HAVOCA website features survivors' stories, a pen-pal forum and advice for healing from abuse.

Healthy Place Abuse Issues Community
Physical, mental or sexual- this Healthy Place support community speaks to many aspects of abuse. Features offered include chat forums, individual online diaries, news, articles, instant messaging, information on mental health, an online bookstore and more. Membership is free.

National Association for Children of Alcoholics
The NACOA advocates for children and families affected by alcoholism and other drug dependencies. With affiliate organizations in the United States and United Kingdom, the NACOA works to raise public awareness on these issues, provide leadership in public policy at all levels and advocates for effective, accessible education and prevention services.

National Association for People Abused in Childhood
NAPAC is a registered charity in the United Kingdom that provides support, training, information and resources to persons and organizations supporting people who have experienced ill treatment and/or neglect in childhood.

NiceGuysClub.com
This DC-based site is dedicated to the prevention of child abuse as well as the abuse of adults by family, friends, employers, and churches. The Nice Guy Club home page features articles and a great index of resource links along with a profile link from Amber Alert.

Psych Central: Adult Children of Mentally Ill Parents
An online support forum and resource site for adult children of mentally-ill parents.

Suite101.com: Child Abuse & Recovery
Archived articles written by Susan Maree Jeavons provide insightful articles, essays, original poetry and information on topics related to overcoming childhood abuse. Also includes discussion forums and links to support. (For Jeavons' more recent work, go to: Child Abuse Recovery Journal.) There's also information on abuse related to cult programming at Suite101.com's Ritual Abuse section.

The Leadership Council
A fantastic resource for understanding the impact of child abuse and neglect, this site was created by a organization composed of respected scientists, clinicians, educators, legal scholars, and public policy analysts. Features articles that are intelligent, thoughtfully-researched and easy to understand.

The Road to Recovery
This Aussie page offers self-help, articles and mutual support resources for those who have survived child abuse and trauma. TRTR also includes information about self-nurturing, alternative therapies, confronting a perpetrator, survivors' personal stories and more.

This Is a War.com
This is a War is certainly one of the Internet's most unusual sources of information about abuse and mental health, mainly because of the obvious passion of its writers and their presentation. TIAW is a monthly online publication with a ton of articles and essays about child abuse and seemingly almost any issue connected with it.