In Bloom: for survivors: :: about incest & sexual child abuse ::

Child Sex Abuse Affects Both Genders Long Term
WebMD's Jennifer Warner details a study suggesting that regardless of gender, victims of child sexual abuse suffer from similar long-term mental and physical health issues.

Breaking the Silence
There is an assumption that all victims are women and girls and that the perpetrators are men. However, boys are also victims of abuse, and carry their scars into adulthood. Learn more from this in-depth editorial by Clema Lewis, Chairperson of the St Croix Abuse & Neglect Task Force.

Consequences of Child Sexual Abuse
In this Web4Health medical expert Q&A, psychologist Wendy Moelker and professor Jacob Palme answer inquiries about the consequences of sexual abuse, the effects of child abuse, the symptoms of child molestation and signs of child sexual abuse.

More Adult Survivors of Incest Coming Forward
More and more adults in therapy are linking their current problems to incest suffered in childhood. An article from the New York Times Health section; written by Meryl Spiegel.

Male Survivors of Incest and Sexual Abuse
Male survivors of incest often deal with confusion about their sexuality, identity, romantic and relationship roles and what it means to be a man. In this article from The VIP Room contributor Michael Lew addresses the obstacles faced by many men in trying overcome incest and sexual abuse.

Male Sexual Abuse Victims
An article from the Sibling Abuse Survivors' Info & Advocacy Network (SASIAN), Ken Singer, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, gets in-depth about the common repercussions experienced by male incest survivors.

How Does Incest Effect the Adult Survivor?
This page, taken from the literature of Survivors of Incest Anonymous, spells out the facts and fiction of child sexual abuse: At least one out of five boys and one out of four girls will be abused before they reach the age of eighteen. The child’s emotional growth will be stifled at the age of the first attack, and the victim will probably not begin to recover until adulthood, if ever.

Adulthood Affects of Incest/Child Sexual Abuse
A thorough look at the impact of incest and sexual abuse from the Survivors Healing Center of Santa Cruz, CA. Includes a list of coping suggestions for survivors.

The Effects of (Clergy) Sexual Abuse
When a priest sexually abuses a child, the effects can be particularly devastating. An article by Kathleen Megan, reprinted by the UAADV.org (United Angels Against Domestic Violence).

Issues for Disabled Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Women with disabilities are at an increased risk for sexual violence. Perpetrators of incest choose a victim who will remain silent; or will not be believed in the event that she should tell. Women with disabilities, as young children are often viewed as ideal targets.

Incest & Sexual Abuse of Children
A look at how perpetrators of incest and abuse often manipulate a child's love and dependence to initiate sexual contact and ensure that the relationship remains secret.

Male Survivors
Although sexual assault is most often a crime against women, men can also be victims of sexual assault. Men and boys are sexually assaulted and molested every day in the United States. It is believed that 1 in 6 boys will be sexually assaulted before age 18. 83% of abused boys are under the age of 12; 26% are under the age of 6. 25–35% of child sexual abuse victims are males. From the West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information and Services (FRIS).

Breaking the Last Taboo: Sexual Abuse by Female Perpetrators
By Renee Koonin, this article appeared in the Australian Social Work Journal, May 1995 and examines cultural resistance against acknowledging the reality of female sexual predators. Reprinted by the incredible South Eastern Centre for Sexual Assault in Australia (SECASA). Also from SECASA, check out The Effects of Child Sexual Abuse, a look at the immediate and long term repercussions survivors face.

Why Real Guys Don't Tell
Since society has some rather insane expectations of males when it comes to sexuality, power, feelings and self-sufficiency, many men and boys who survive sexual abuse are reluctant to ask for help. Reprinted on Ekklesia.com with permission of Victim Witness Services, Colorado Springs, CO.

Male-to-Male Sexual Abuse In the Context of Homophobia
Although the sexual abuse of male children is a crime mainly perpetuated by heterosexual men, trauma expert Kali Monroe looks at the ways in which homophobia continues to distort and undermine a sane dialogue on this issue.

Myths, Masculinity, and Recovery
Myths about masculinity make healing from abuse even harder for men than it already is. Read about the realities on this great info page from the website of Canada's awesome Men Overcoming Sexual Abuse.

Sexual Abuse of Boys
The sexual abuse of boys is a subject often ignored by rape hotlines, survivor books, talk shows and magazine articles. In this thoughtful essay from essortment.com, a male survivor breaks that silence.

Male Survivors FAQ
Frequently asked questions about men surviving sexual abuse. From New Zealand's Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Trust.

What I Wish the Adults Around Me Had Known to Prevent Abuse
An article from Alissa Lukara, founder and president of Lifechallenges.org. In support of National Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Lukara, author of Riding Grace: A Triumph of the Soul, has provided parents, caregivers, family, friends, educators and anyone who comes in contact with children, an invaluable collection of tips to prevent child abuse.

Intimacy, Sexuality & Healing from Sexual Abuse
An article from Self Help Magazine on the nature of reclaiming sexuality as a survivor of abuse article. Written by Wendy Maltz, MSW.

Surviving Abuse & Taking Care of Yourself
Social worker therapist Jeff Levy has been working with gay male survivors of childhood incest and sexual abuse for more than 15 years. An article by Enid Vázquez for The Body.

Effective Group Therapy with Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Counselors Mikele Rauch and John W Jones share what they've learned co-leading male incest survivor groups and workshops.

Finding a Sexual Abuse Support Group in Your Area
Health editor Katherine Huether from eHow.com gives a practical list of possibilities and options for the survivor seeking healing in a group situation.

abused~empowered~survive~thrive UK
Support forums, chat rooms and information for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and the adult sexual abuse or rape survivor for both female and male survivors from the UK and around the world.

American Foundation for Healing for Survivors of Sexual Abuse
One of the major purposes of this non-profit foundation and its website is to provide free access to health information and medical studies regarding social, psychological, and physical outcomes of sexual abuse.

Braveman Article Index on Men, Boys & Surviving Abuse
On this link to his professional site, aptly-named therapist and educator Stephen L Braveman (MA, LMFT and DST) has compiled an awesome collection of articles and essays about, by and for men and boys surviving sexual abuse.

Covert-Incest.org
Providing services to those caught in incestuous or emotionally incestuous relationships with a parent. Site offers mailing lists, literature, info, forums & articles.

eNotAlone.com: Sexual Abuse
30 articles and book excerpts from journalists, professionals and experienced survivors- along with a sexual abuse discussion & advice area.

Healthy Place Abuse Issues Community
This online support community speaks to many aspects of abuse. Offers chat forums, online diaries, news, articles, IM-ing, mental health info, an online bookstore and more. Membership is free.

Incest & the Innocent Child: A Series on Helium.com
This amazing archive from Helium.com features a series of 21 articles & essays written by both professional journalists and experienced survivors- each offering a different perspective on recovering from child sexual abuse.

Isurvive.org
A non-profit online community center for abuse survivors providing anonymous discussions boards, chat rooms and other resources. Anonymous, secure, well-moderated and featuring a large collection of forums. Registration is free.

Incest Resources, Inc.
An all-survivor, all-volunteer, nonprofit organization offering a variety of educational, resources and recovery materials to survivors and professionals. Includes a chat group, articles, legal information, coping strategy suggestions and more.

Letters to My Abusers Project
In an effort to inspire, heal and bring forth an understanding of what sexual abuse really means in the lives of so many, author and survivor Stephanie Gagos' latest endeavor is a collection of letters written by survivors to the men/women who abused them. These letters will be considered for inclusion in a book entitled, Letters to My Abusers: What I Couldn't Say Then. Men and women who wish to contribute their own letters can find the submission guidelines at the Letters site (www.letterstomyabusers.com). Part of the book's proceeds will go to an organization that helps survivors . The author is currently seeking and open to nominations for an organization that helps survivors on their adult healing paths.

Making Daughters Safe Again
Support and information for daughters who were sexually abused by their mothers. A password-protected members-only web site featuring a message board, forums, a chat room, topic-driven support groups and more. MDSA is determined to protect members' privacy and confidentiality and to ensure their safety. The membership fee is $5/month. Non-members can view the info portions of the site.

MaleSurvivor & National Organization on Male Sexual Victimization
Network with other professionals facing the unique challenges of working with male survivors while also learning from men who are themselves healing. Committed through research, education, advocacy and activism to the prevention, treatment and elimination of all forms of sexual victimization of boys and men.

Male Survivors of Incest & Sexual Abuse
From The VIP Room, this web page features articles and essays discussing fears and anxieties of male survivors including cultural and inter-personal messages given them about masculinity and sexuality, survival, the after-effects of sexual abuse and other issues.

Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
RAINN is the nation's largest anti-sexual assault/abuse organization and has been ranked as one of "America’s 100 Best Charities" by Worth Magazine. RAINN offers localized victim services, access to local crisis hotlines, volunteer opportunities and they lobby to change public policy in order to keep the rights of survivors intact. An awesome resource.

Sexual Abuse of Males
Researcher, therapist and instructor in Psychology at McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Jim Hopper presents this absolutely monumental online book free of charge to male survivors, their family, friends and therapists. Intelligent, compassionate and authoritative, this maverick work shows Hopper at his finest and throws a long shadow across an Internet shockingly lacking in great resources for male survivors.

Sexuality Info & Education Council of the US
SIECUS has served as the national voice for sexuality education, sexual health, and sexual rights for over 40 years. SIECUS affirms that sexuality is a fundamental part of being human, one that is worthy of dignity and respect. They advocate for the right of all people to accurate information, comprehensive education and sexual health services and work to ensure social justice and sexual rights.

Sibling Abuse Survivors Info & Advocacy Network
SASIAN offers support for survivors who were abused by a sibling. They also offer information about the problems associated with this type of violence, sections to help parents to recognize sibling abuse and information on how to intervene. Also of interest is a section on prevention of sibling sexual abuse and a discussion forum, a huge selection of info links and more.

SurvivingIncest.com
A remarkable memoir available for purchase in hardcopy or as an online book free of charge. This site features a free newsletter, recommended reading, discussion forum and information about the effects of sexual child abuse, myths and a link to SCW's blog.

Survivors & Friends
Survivors & Friends is a non-profit organization featuring articles, a chat forum, an online bookstore and support resources for survivors of sexual abuse, their friends and their families. Membership is offered free of charge.

Survivors As Mothers
Survivors as Mothers is a non-profit advocacy group for mothers who were abused as children. They provide resources, education and outreach addressing the unique concerns of parenting as a survivor. SAM also examines how society may better address child abuse, the long term impact of child abuse on the survivor, and the many misconceptions surrounding child abuse and recovery. Features an on-line support group, personal stories and more.

Survivors of Spiritual Abuse
With an emphasis on survivors with MPD/DID, SOSA is a resource for those abused in any way in the name of a religion or spiritual belief or in a religious setting by clergy or lay-persons.

Bishop-Accountability.org
Bishop Accountability is a news/watchdog organization that documents the ongoing sexual abuse crisis of the Roman Catholic Church and rallies against those conspiring within that church who seek to silence survivors and aid perpetrators.

The Healing Grove
The first website for Wiccan/Pagan survivors. Features links for find a teacher, help for under-age survivors, research, hotlines, a support group, poetry, a blog and more. Non-Pagan survivors are welcome.

The Hope of Survivors
A nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting victims of pastoral sexual abuse and misconduct, as well as providing educational and informational materials and seminars to churches worldwide.

The Treehouse
Support for male and female adult survivors of childhood neglect/abandonment; verbal, emotional, physical and sexual abuse; family violence, as well as abuse by clergy and other professionals.

xris.com: Male Survivor Issues and Resources
Male Survivors of Sexual Violence is one of a handful of sites created by an individual that offers such a wealth of information presented in such an accessible way that it merits consideration as a resource for all survivors. Smart, inclusive, far-reaching and simply organized for easy navigation, this site is well-worth book-marking.