SUPPORT

Selected by members of our survivor community, this carefully curated list offers a wealth of external resources to aid you in your journey towards healing and recovery from sexual trauma. We understand the importance of having access to a diverse range of support options, tailored to meet the unique needs and experiences of survivors like you.

We hope you'll find the support you need in this moment.

DO YOU NEED IMMEDIATE HELP?

Trauma can deeply affect our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. If you're grappling with suicidal thoughts, reaching out to a suicide prevention helpline in your country can be a crucial step.

We understand that navigating through intense pain can be overwhelming. But even in those darkest moments, there are resources, individuals, and experiences available to help us navigate these feelings. Mind and Samaritans resources could offer assistance to you right now.

If possible, consider seeking guidance from a doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist who can provide professional support during this challenging time. We've also included some tips for self-regulation below.

HELPFUL RESOURCES

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Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)

RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-HOPE) which provides confidential support 24/7. They also offer online chat services.

National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)

NSVRC provides a wealth of information and resources on sexual violence prevention and recovery

National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA)

NOVA offers support services, advocacy, and resources for victims of crime, including sexual violence.

National Center for Victims of Crime

Provides resources and support for victims of all types of crime, including sexual violence.

Love is Respect

Provides nationwide support for teens and young adults experiencing dating violence and sexual assault. Hotline: 1-866-331-9474

Text "LOVEIS" to 22522

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Provides a wealth of information and resources on sexual violence prevention and recovery

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Offers support for survivors of domestic violence and connects them to local resources. Hotline:

1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

National Human Trafficking Hotline

Provides 24/7 confidential support, resources, and referrals for survivors of human trafficking.

Hotline: 1-888-373-7888

Text "HELP" or "INFO" to 233733 (BEFREE)

End Rape of Campus (EROC)

Offers support, education, and advocacy for survivors of sexual harassment and assault on college campuses.

National Women's Law Center (NWLC)

Offers legal assistance and resources for women experiencing sexual harassment and discrimination, including workplace harassment.

The Trevor Project

Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth, including support for issues related to sexual harassment and violence.

TrevorLifeline: 1-866-488-7386

Safe Horizon

Provides support for victims of crime and abuse, including sexual assault, and connects them to services in New York City. Hotline:

1-800-621-HOPE (4673)

Rape Crisis England & Wales

Offers support services including helplines, counselling, and advocacy. National Helpline: 0808 802 9999

Victim Support

Offers emotional and practical support for survivors of crime, including sexual violence. Supportline: 0808 168 9111 (Open 24/7)

The Survivors Trust

Umbrella organization for specialist services providing support to survivors of rape, sexual violence, and childhood sexual abuse

Safeline

Offers specialist support for survivors of sexual abuse and rape, including counseling and helplines. National Helpline: 0808 800 5008

Women's Aid

National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (Open 24/7)

SurvivorsUK

Offers support for male survivors of sexual abuse, including helplines and counselling.

Helpline: 0203 598 3898

Refuge

Provides support for women and children experiencing domestic violence, including sexual assault. In partnership with Women's Aid

Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (Open 24/7)

Childline

Provides support and counseling for children and young people up to the age of 19 who have experienced abuse, including sexual abuse.

Helpline: 0800 1111

Karma Nirvana

Provides support for victims of honour-based abuse and forced marriage.

Helpline: 0800 5999 247

Rights of Women

Offers free legal advice to women on issues including domestic violence and family law.

Galop

Support for LGBTQ+ individuals who have experienced abuse and violence, including sexual.

Hope for Justice

Provides rescue and support services for victims of human trafficking, including advocacy, legal assistance, and rehabilitation programs specifically for those trafficked for sexual exploitation

1800RESPECT

Provides confidential support, information, and referral services for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, and abuse. Phone: 1800 737 732

Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS)

Offers specialized support and counseling services for survivors of sexual assault and abuse in each Australian state and territory.

Blue Knot Foundation:

Provides support, resources, and advocacy for adult survivors of childhood trauma, including childhood sexual abuse. Phone: 1300 657 380

Lifeline Australia

Offers crisis support and suicide prevention services, including emotional support for individuals experiencing distress or in need of immediate assistance.

Phone: 13 11 14

Respect.gov.au

Government initiative providing resources and information to prevent sexual harassment and violence.

Project Respect

Supports women trafficked for sexual exploitation and those in the sex industry, providing outreach, counseling, and advocacy services.

QLife

National peer support and referral service for LGBTQ+ people. Offers anonymous, free counseling and support for issues including sexual violence and harassment. Helpline: 1800 184 527

Beyond Blue

Offers mental health support and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals, including those experiencing sexual violence and harassment.

Helpline: 1300 22 4636

International Rape Crisis Hotlines

Lists hotline numbers for rape crisis centers and support services worldwide, organized by country

International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP)

Provides resources, research, and support for suicide prevention efforts worldwide, including information on crisis hotlines and support services in different countries.

Befrienders Worldwide

Offers emotional support, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention services through a network of helplines worldwide.

International Rescue Committee (IRC)

Provides support for survivors of sexual violence in crisis and conflict zones.

Women Against Violence Europe (WAVE)

Network of European organisations supporting women and children survivors of violence.

ActionAid International

Works to end violence against women and girls, including sexual violence.

UN Women - Global

Works to end violence against women and girls, including sexual violence, through programs and advocacy.

Global Protection Cluster

Provides support for survivors of sexual violence in crisis and conflict zones.

SELF-REGULATION

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breathe.

Engage in breathing and grounding exercises to center yourself in the present moment.

meditate.

Practice meditation and mindfulness techniques with the help of apps like Headspace or Calm. You can also access free tutorials on platforms like YouTube.

journal.

Express your thoughts and emotions through writing or drawing, focusing on positive aspects of your life and cherished memories.

revisit coping lists.

Revisit a list of coping mechanisms that may have previously deterred self-harm thoughts or impulses.

connect.

Whether it's a family member, close friend, or even a beloved pet— invite them to listen empathetically and offer unwavering support. You are not alone.

move.

Practice some gentle yoga postures or try dancing to one of your favourite songs. Moving your body can help to distract your thoughts.

go outside.

If possible (and if you feel safe to do so) get some fresh air, be it through a walk or just sitting outside. The change of scenery will do you a world of good.

self-soothe.

Take a warm bath, cuddle with a soft blanket or stuffed animal, or savour a comforting cup of tea. Tune into your senses to create a sense of safety and relaxation.

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