Resources
It's normal to feel alone, but remember, support is available. Finding the right help can feel overwhelming and frustrating, but I urge you to start by researching. This list is not exhaustive but offers potential starting points as you explore different sources of support. Use the resources here to better understand your situation, making it easier to connect with the right person or organization that has the expertise and availability to provide the individualized help you need.
General Resources for Abuse and Trauma
DIANE LANGBERG, PHD (https://www.dianelangberg.com/)
“Dr. Diane Langberg is a practicing psychologist whose clinical expertise includes 35 years of working with trauma survivors and clergy. She speaks internationally on topics related to women, trauma, ministry and the Christian life.” Dr. Langberg has produced numerous books, articles, videos, and podcasts on the topics of trauma, abuse, narcissism, power, and recovery.
THE NATIONAL CHILD TRAUMATIC STRESS NETWORK (https://www.nctsn.org/)
The mission of the NCTSN is “to raise the standard of care and improve access to services for traumatized children, their families and communities throughout the United States.”
RAPE, ABUSE & INCEST NATIONAL NETWORK (RAINN) (https://rainn.org/)
“RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE, online.rainn.org [and] rainn.org/es) in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service provider across the country and operates the DoD safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought of justice.”
NATIONAL SEXUAL VIOLENCE RESOURCE CENTER (https://www.nsvrc.org/)
“Every state and territory has an organization designated to coordinate the advocation for rape crisis efforts and represent that state or territory as its coalition. NSVRC maintains a Directory of State and Territory Coalitions, as well as a Directory of Victim/Survivor Support Organizations that provide services to survivors.”
CENTER FOR TRAUMA RESOLUTION AND RECOVERY (https://www.traumaresolutionandrecovery.com/)
“We are a group of trauma-informed practitioners from across the United States who utilize the medium of coaching to provide access to trauma resolution and recovery to clients all over the world. Our online format makes it easy to receive the support you’re looking for as you begin or continue healing from trauma, no matter your time zone or schedule.”
Resources for Adult Survivors of Child Abuse
HELP FOR ADULT VICIMS OF CHILD ABUSE (https://www.havoca.org/)
“HAVOCA is run by survivors for adult survivor of child abuse. We provide support, friendship and advice for any adult whose life has been affected by childhood abuse.”
ADULT SURVIVORS OF CHILD ABUSE (https://www.ascasupport.org/)
“Adult Survivors of Child Abuse (ASCA) is an international self-help support group program designed specifically for adult survivors of neglect, physical, sexual, and /or emotional abuse.”
Resources for Survivors of Clergy Sexual Abuse
SNAP - SURVIVORS NETWORK OF THOSE ABUSED BY PRIESTS (https://www.snapnetwork.org/)
“SNAP is the largest, oldest and most active self-help group for clergy sex abuse victims, whether assaulted by ministers, priests, nuns or rabbis. SNAP is confidential, safe places for wounded men and women to be heard, supported and healed. SNAP works tirelessly to achieve two goals: to heal the wounded and to protect the vulnerable. The organization has more than 25,000 members and support groups in over 60 cities across the U.S. and the world.”
TEARS OF EDEN (https://www.tearsofeden.org/)
Nonprofit serving survivors who have experienced spiritual abuse in the evangelical community.
Resources for Survivors of Domestic Violence
NATIONAL COALITION AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (NCADV) (https://ncadv.org/)
The NCADV mission “is to lead, mobilize and raise our voices to support efforts that demand a change of conditions that lead to domestic violence such as patriarchy, privilege, racism, sexism, and classisms. We are dedicated to supporting survivors and holding offenders accountable and supporting advocates.”
NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), TTY 1-800-787-3224, text “START” to 88788 (https://www.thehotline.org/)
A 24/7 free hotline with access to service providers and shelters throughout the United States.
NATIONAL NETWORK TO END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (https://nnedv.org/)
“NNEDV represents the 56 state and U.S. territory coalitions against domestic violence. Domestic violence coalitions serve as state-wide and territory-wide leaders in the efforts to end domestic violence. These organizations connect local domestic violence service providers and are valuable resources for information about services, programs, legislation, and policies that support survivors of domestic violence.”
Resources for Survivors of Educator Sexual Abuse
STOP EDUCATOR SEXUAL ABUSE MISCONDUCT & EXPLOITATION (S.E.S.A.M.E) (https://www.sesamenet.org/)
“S.E.S.A.M.E was founded in 1991 by volunteers who saw a need in their community. Today, the need for S.E.S.A.M.E still persists, and a dedicated group of volunteer advocates and experts continue the work of the founders so that the nation’s schools are safer for children.”
Resources for Survivors of Elder Abuse or Disability Abuse
NATIONAL ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES ASSOCIATION (https://www.napsa-now.org/)
“The National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) is a national non-profit 501(c)3 organization with members in all fifty states. Formed in 1989, the goal of NAPSA is to provide Adult Protective Services (ASP) programs a forum for sharing information, solving problems, and improving the quality of services for victims of elder and vulnerable adult mistreatment.”
VERA INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE (https://www.vera.org/)
“People with disabilities are much more vulnerable to harm. They’re three times more likely to be sexually abused as children, and three times more likely to be victims of violent crimes ranging from robbery to rape as adolescents and adults. More troubling, survivors rarely get the help they need to heal. Organizations dedicated to serving people with disabilities and Deaf people often have no experience working with victims of crime, while agencies focused on crime and victimization are typically ill-equipped to serve people with differing abilities. Our work focuses on connecting professionals, breaking down systemic barriers to collaboration, and rigorously tracking performance - the only way to provide services that actually meet people's news. Much of our work is focused on survivors of domestic and sexual violence.” The Vera Institute of Justice manages the End Abuse of People with Disabilities website (https://www.endabusepwd.org/)
Resources for Survivors of Psychological Abuse
CONFUSION TO CLARITY (https://www.confusiontoclaritynow.com/)
A Christian resource that provides support and healing for women who have experienced covert narcissistic and psychological spousal abuse.
FLYING FREE (https://www.flyingfreenow.com/)
Flying Free helps women “recover and heal from emotional and spiritual abuse while also discovering a life of freedom and joy in Christ.”
Resources for Survivors of Workplace Abuse
END WORKPLACE ABUSE (https://endworkplaceabuse.com/)
“Part of the National Workplace Bullying Coalition, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization; a network of advocates from a variety of professional backgrounds and sectors working collaboratively to build a national movement to end workplace abuse. We believe in the urgency to make workplaces safe, healthy, and inclusive for everyone. We aim to raise awareness about the pervasive harms of workplace abuse, advocate for legislation that protects workers from abusive behaviors, build coalition and community with other grassroots efforts that align with our vision, explore and develop solutions and ideas, and make resources available to those impacted by workplace abuse, including those who’ve been directly targeted.”
WORKPLACE BULLYING INSTITUTE (https://workplacebullying.org/)
“WBI is…dedicated to the eradication of workplace bullying that combines help for individuals, research, books, public education, training for professionals-unions-employers, legislative advocacy, and consulting solutions for organizations. Established 1997.”
Resources for Survivors of Dating Abuse
LOVE IS RESPECT (https://www.loveisrespect.org/)
“Highly-trained advocates offer support, information and advocacy to young people who have questions or concerns about their dating relationships. We also provide information and support to concerned friends and family members, teachers, counselors, service providers and members of law enforcement. Free and confidential phone, live chat and texting services are available 24/7/365.”
BREAK THE CYCLE (https://www.breakthecycle.org/)
“Break the Cycle inspires and supports young people 12-24 to build healthy relationships and create a culture without abuse. We are a culturally affirming organization that centers young people, caring adults, and communities in our prevention and intervention efforts. Our dynamic and diverse team believes that all young people deserve to live in a world where they can thrive.”
Resources for Suicide Prevention
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE (https://988lifeline.org/)
“The LIfeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.”