Resources
These are some resources that I hope will be helpful! I have used many of these through the years. Some I have not personally used, but I have researched them and feel they could be helpful. Please remember that we all heal differently and what worked for me or others may not work for you. I am not a doctor or a therapist, just a girl trying to figure it out. If you are in a crisis, please call 911.
*If you are from an organization, please note, at this time I am not accepting requests to add additional resources to this page. Thank you for your work and understanding*
Sexual Assault Resources
I cannot recommend this online chat hotline enough. For a time, I was on here daily. You are able to anonymously chat with someone for non-judgmental support and information. Yes, the wait time can be a bit frustrating, but trust me, it is worth it. And you are worth it.They have a phone hotline too, if that is better for you. 800.656.HOPE (4673)
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Rape Crisis England and Wales Resources and hotline for people in the UK
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End Rape on Campus (EROC) An amazing site for support and resources
This site has information on your legal rights if you have experienced sexual violence at school. They also provide resources, support, help with reporting violence, and help if you want to take legal action under Title IX.
If you're wondering, what is Title IX? Here is some information!
This book is amazing and free to read online. Though it is meant to help men understand how to help those affected by sexual violence, reading this book helped me to understand my own reactions and helped me to realize that what happened was not my fault. An important read for anyone personally affected by sexual violence or who knows someone who was. Not just for men and remember men can be victims too.
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Support for MALE SURVIVORS. 1 in 6 men have been sexually abused or assaulted. They have resources and an online anonymous chat.
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The Metoo Movement’s official website! There is also an incredible and comprehensive list of resources for survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking and more. Click here for resources.
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The Hunting Ground. This documentary changed my life. It does have triggers, but if you are able to watch, it helps to expose the way colleges cover up sexual assault. You can view this important film here on Netflix.
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Joyful Heart Foundation has another list of helpful resources and ways to get help and to help survivors. Joyful Heart was founded by the incredible Mariska Hargitay and includes a magazine to help survivors, events, and healing programs. Click here for resources.
Articles, videos, and books on Sexual Assault, let’s get educated!
This article is by the amazing Laurie Halse Anderson (author of Speak) and explains
what needs to be done to educate teenage boys after consent, assault, and rape culture.
An important article that helps explain this disturbing phenomena.
An article on how we need to need to change the conversation on rape.
This article hits it on the nose on how to stop sexual assault. This outlines how to have these important conversations that are needed for ALL genders.
This short video was produced by 1in6 and shows the devastating impact sexual abuse and assault has on men. Watching this can be triggering, but if you are able to watch, it is eye opening.
This is a must read for college professors and administrators. It provides tips for how to help your students and warning signs that they have experienced sexual assault.
A truly important book about a young girl's rape and how it affects her. Though this is a work of fiction, it was inspired by the author's sexual assault at age 13. Well written and raw, also available as a graphic novel and film. This book normalizes survivor reactions and sheds light on what consent really means. It is an important read for teenagers and adults, men and women.
Suicide Prevention Resources
This resource is invaluable. I used this countless times when I was struggling. You are able to express your feelings and what you are going through. A kind and helpful volunteer will listen (or I should say read, as this is an instant message chat service) and offer support and advice. The wait time can be a bit frustrating, but this is really a good way to get support. You can also call them at 1-800-273-8255.
My absolute favorite resource. Simply text HOME to 741741 for free and confidential crisis support 24/7 in the US. A trained volunteer will offer support and resources. They offer support for self-harm, suicide prevention, depression, anxiety, and loneliness, among other crises.
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You can also call or text Samaritans if you are feeling lonely, depressed, suicidal, or just need someone to talk to. Call or text (877) 870-HOPE (4673)
They also have an incredible list of resources for suicide prevention, eating disorders, cutting, alcohol abuse, depression and more
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NHS resources for people in the UK
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The Shaw Mind also has an incredible list of resources for people in 15 different countries, including the US, the UK, Pakistan, Germany and more. Click on your flag to find sites and organizations that can help you!
Eating Disorder Resources
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National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) helpline. If you are in the US, you can call their number- (800) 931-2237 or instant message with a trained volunteer.
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For people in the UK, here is a website with information and helpline numbers!
In this book, Hope shares her journey from the brink of death from anorexia to her incredible recovery. If you are struggling with an eating disorder or have a friend or child who is, I highly recommend this book.
This is a great resource for info about eating disorders. It also talks about the relationship between eating disorders and substance abuse and how these can be co-occurring issues. The site has resources for ways to get help.
Finding a Therapist Resources
A very easy to use tool where you can filter your needs to find a therapist that suits you.
This is a great article on what to look for in a therapist and what to expect in your first session.
This is a helpful service if going to a therapist's office is overwhelming. Through BetterHelp, you can message with a licensed therapist and have video sessions in the privacy of your own help. This may not be right for everyone, but is a good option for some!
In this book, Tova shares her harrowing journey to finding the right therapist.
This site has user friendly articles about depression, anxiety, and relationships. They also offer a vast directory of where to find a therapist.
I hope this list was helpful! There are so many other resources out there and ways to get help! Your life has value and you deserve to get help. Keep on fighting. It does get better.