RECOVERING FROM CHILD ABUSE

How does child abuse affect you as an adult?

In very simple terms, life’s challenges are more difficult and seem more threatening to you. Adults who were abused as children have less developed coping skills and therefore are overwhelmed more easily and seem to react to stress in self-defeating ways.

Here is a list of symptoms people with traumatic childhoods can have:

• Low self-esteem
• Difficulty trusting people
• Difficulty choosing a supportive partner in relationships
• Difficulty with finding and keeping friends
• Sensitivity
• Self-isolation
• Feelings of powerlessness
• Feelings of fear
• Feeling like a “bad” person
• Impatience
• Feeling angry at the world
• Denial of feelings
• Partial or complete forgetting of childhood memories
• Physical health problems
• Depression and anxiety/panic
• Alcohol or drug problems

The first stage of healing

• Beginning the healing process.
• Setting treatment goals and figuring out how to reach those goals.
• Establishing safety and stability and security.
• Tapping into and developing one’s own inner strengths.
• Controlling one’s emotions and managing symptoms.
• Developing and strengthening skills.

Second stage

Is referred to as “remembrance and mourning.”

The main work of stage two involves:

• Reviewing and/or discussing memories to lessen their emotional intensity.
  
• Working through grief and its negative effects.
  
• Mourning or working through grief about good experiences that one did not have, but that all children deserve.

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It’s a very long road to recovery after abuse, but it’s not unreachable!!!

Here are wonderful resources that can help you to achieve a full recovery:

CHILD ABUSE WEBSITES:

http://www.mdjunction.com/
http://curezone.com/forums/s.asp?f=62&ob=t&c=1
http://www.sssalas.com/EmotionalHealing.html
http://www.catharsisfoundation.org/index.html
http://www.vansondesign.com/RecoveryCanada/SexualAbuse/Forums/
http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=22518
http://www.way2hope.org/family-forums/index.php?showforum=8
http://www.ascasupport.org/
http://www.way2hope.org/family-forums/lofiversion/index.php?f8.html
http://s.webring.com/hub?ring=healingquest
http://www.aest.org.uk/survivors/female/
http://www.menstuff.org/resources/resourcefiles/abuserecov.html

SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY:
http://www.familywatchdog.us/
http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/cac/registry.htm
http://www.nsopr.gov/

STRUGGLING PARENTS:
www.myspace.com/brokenmoms
http://www.crisislink.org/
http://www.parenting.org/
http://www.parents.com/

CHILD ABUSE HOTLINES:
http://reportchildabusenow.com/
http://www.childhelp.org/get_help
http://www.hopeforhealing.org/hotlines
http://www.childabuse.org/report%20abuse.html

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:
http://www.ndvh.org/
http://www.domesticviolence.org/
http://www.domesticviolencehelp.org/
http://www.hopeforhealing.org/DV.html

RAPE:
http://www.rainn.org/
http://www.rapeis.org/
http://www.dancinginthedarkness.com/
http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/2402/
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfmfuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=477465432

INCEST:
http://www.siawso.org/
http://www.hopeforhealing.org/incesthelp.html
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/help/isa.htm
http://www.heartsandminds.org/self/links/abuseincestfamilyviolence.htm

SURVIVORS:
http://www.ascasupport.org/
http://www.catharsisfoundation.org/
http://www.hopeforhealing.org/tips
http://www.wearesurvivors.org/?cat=14

MALE SURVIVORS:
http://www.hopeforhealing.org/male.html
http://www.berkshirefreepress.org/
http://www.malesurvivor.org/
http://www.pandys.org/malesurvivors.html

BIPOLAR/MENTAL ILLNESS:
http://www.nami.org/
http://www.bipolar.com/
http://www.preventmentalillness-salem.org/
http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/center_index.php?id=4

POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER:
http://www.ptsdassociation.com/
http://ptsdguide.com/ptsd-complex.shtml
http://www.bullyonline.org/stress/ptsd.htm
http://www.hopeforhealing.org/ptsd

TEEN SUPPORT SITES:
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/mainsite.php
http://teenchallengeusa.com/
http://www.globaltc.org/
http://www.helpguide.org/
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfmfuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=477465432

COLLEGE STUDENTS SUPPORT SITES:
http://www.helpguide.org/
http://www.mycollegetips.com/college-student-help.html
http://www.ulifeline.org/main/Home.html
http://www.strivetogether.org/resource_center/College_Students8.htm

TEEN DATING VIOLENCE:
http://www.loveisrespect.org/
http://www.acadv.org/dating.html
http://www.atg.wa.gov/ProtectingYouth/TeenDatingViolence.aspx
http://www.hopeforhealing.org/teen_dating_violence.html

SUICIDE & DEPRESSION:
http://www.befrienders.org/
http://www.hopeline.com/
http://www.helpguide.org/
http://help-with-depression.net/

SELF-INJURY:
http://www.selfinjury.com/
http://selfmutilatorsanonymous.org/
http://www.helpguide.org/
http://www.myspace.com/towriteloveonherarms

EATING DISORDERS, ANOREXIA, BULEMIA:
http://anorexiahelp.net/
http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
http://www.findingbalance.com/
http://www.helpguide.org/

SUBSTANCE ABUSE:
http://www.na.org/
http://www.hbo.com/addiction/
http://www.al-anon.org/
http://www.helpguide.org/

UNWANTED PREGNANCY:
http://www.pregnancyhelponline.com/
http://www.loveourchildrenusa.org/parent_pregnant.php
http://www.familyfirstaid.org/teen-pregnancy.html
http://www.daveandtrisha.com/pregnancy.shtml

GRIEF HELPLINE:
http://grief-help.com/
http://www.grief.net/
http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/emotions/someone_died.html
http://griefhelp.org/uploads/griefhelp_20book0306open.pdf

STALKING:
http://www.stalkingbehavior.com/
http://orgs.usd.edu/savvy/stalking.html
http://www.ncvc.org/src/Main.aspx
http://www.hopeforhealing.org/stalking.html

CYBERBULLYING:
http://www.stopcyberbullying.org/index2.html
http://www.cyberbullyhelp.com/
http://www.cyberbullying.info/help.php
http://www.online-bully.com/

JUSTICE FOR CHILDREN:
http://www.jfcadvocacy.org/
http://www.childrensjustice.org/membership.html
http://www.justiceforchildrenmi.org/goals.aspx
http://www.justiceforchildren.org/

CPS/DHS MISHANDLINGS HELPLINE:
http://www.loveourchildrenusa.org/cpsmishandle.php
http://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/

CHILDREN’S MEDICAL QUESTIONS:
http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/
http://www.webmd.com/
http://kidshealth.org/
http://children.webmd.com/guide/childrens-health-finding-help

MISSING CHILDREN:
http://hardwarehell.com/missing.htm
http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PublicHomeServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US
http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PubCaseSearchServlet?act=usMapSearch&missState=CA&searchLang=en_US
http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Missing_Children.shtml

ONLINE COUNSELING SERVICES:

www.powerofmind.com.au

PSYCHOLOGIST LOCATER:
http://locator.apa.org/
http://www.therapistlocator.net/
http://www.befrienders.org/
https://www.aacc.net/shop/ccn_search.php
http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/databases/

SUBSTANCE ABUSE, DRUG
AND ALCOHOL RECOVERY LOCATER:
http://dasis3.samhsa.gov/
http://recoveryfinder.com/
http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/
http://www.friendofbills.com/substance-abuse-recovery-information.htm

CHILD DAYCARE LOCATER BY STATE:
http://daycarelocator.net/
http://www.childcareaware.org/en/
http://daycare.com/listing.html
http://www.daycareworks.com/cg/daycare_locator.jsp

DOCTOR LOCATER BY STATE:
http://www.diagnose-me.com/regional-A.html

FAMILY & MARRIAGE COUNSELING LOCATER BY STATE:
http://family-marriage-counseling.com/
http://www.familyhelp411.com/parent%20resources/therapist_locator.php

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AUTISM AND LEARNING DISABILITIES

Autism Speaks

Fibromyalgia

Get Ready to Read

Learning Disabilities

Local Utah Center

National Center for Learning Disabilities

RTI Network

US Autism & Asperger Association

EMPLOYMENT AND JOBS

Career Voyages – Apprenticeships and Internships

State Job Bank Listings

State Vocational Education and Rehabilitation

National Organization on Disability

Association of Small Business Development Centers

JOBS DIRECT USA – A resource for employers to locate employees, and for employees to post their resumes to employers.

COVER LETTERS THAT WORK! – A service (in two versions) which provides you with invaluable techniques for writing cover letters which will absolutely generate serious interviews.

PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Free Antibiotics – Meijer’s

Free Antibiotics – Publix

Low Cost / Free Generic Prescriptions – Giant Eagle

Low Cost / Free Generic Prescriptions – KMart

Low Cost / Free Generic Prescriptions – Kroger/King Soopers/City Market

Low Cost / Free Generic Prescriptions – Sam’s Club

Low Cost / Free Generic Prescriptions – Target

Low Cost / Free Generic Prescriptions – Walgreen’s

Low Cost / Free Generic Prescriptions – Walmart

Medicare Patient Assistance Programs

Needy Meds Cost Assistance Programs

Partnership for Prescription Assistance (888) 477-2669

Patient Assistance Programs Center

CHILDREN’S HEALTH AND DAYCARE

Childcare Resources – Child Care Aware

Childcare Resources – from US Government

Kids Health Newletter and Information Center

National Child Care Information Center

CHRONIC ILLNESS

American Diabetes Association

Chronic Illness Resources for Teens

Healing Well – Chronic Illness Resources

Improving Chronic Illness Care – Resources and Research

MedLine Plus – Coping With Chronic Ilness Resources

GRIEF AND LOSS

AARP – Grief and Loss Resources and Information

Help Guide – Grief and Loss Coping Resources

LEGAL DIFFICULTIES

FindLaw – National Lawyer Resource List

Internet Legal Research Group

Internet Legal Research Group

Legal Resources

FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES

Acorn Housing Corporation – prevent foreclosure

Federal Student Aid – Free Application

Food Assistance Programs

Government Assistance – Benefits, Grants and Financial Aid

Housing Resources Group

Medicare Website – Medication Assistance Programs

MedLine – Financial Assistance for Medical Costs

Needy Meds – Cost Assistance Programs

Partnership for Prescription Assistance (888) 477-2669

Patient Assistance Programs Center – Rx Help

Red Cross – Emergency Travel Assistance

Small Business Adminstration – Financial Assistance

U.S. Dept. Housing & Urban Development – affordable rentals

PREGNANCY ISSUES

Miscarriage Support

National High Risk Pregnancy Support Network

Planned Parenthood: 1-800-230-PLAN

Postpartum Depression Support

Postpartum Support International

USA: National STD Hotline : 1-800-227-8922

SENIOR CITIZENS’ SERVICES

Alliance for Aging Research – 1-800-639-2421

Bridging The Prescription Coverage Gap

Eldercare Locator – 1-800-677-1116

Meals on Wheels

Medicare Website – Medication Assistance Programs

National Council on Aging – 1-800-424-9046

National Institute on Aging – 1-800-222-2225

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AND WEIGHT ISSUES

America on The Move – Steps to a Healthier Life

Center for Disease Control and Prevention – Obesity Information and Resources

Daily Strength – Obesity Support Group (and other health issues)

Healthy Counties Database – Childhood Obesity Prevention Programs

Healthy Food Assistance Programs

Nutrition for Kids – Feeding Kids Newsletter

Obesity Action Coalition

Overeaters Anonymous Support Groups

Reliable Info on Health Topics

Revolution Health – Kids and Weight Community Forum

SparkPeople – Weight Management Tracking and Support

Stickk – Online Weight Management Incentive Program

The Daily Plate – Weight Management Tracking and Support

Weight Control Information Network

Weight Management and Obesity Resource List

Weight Watchers Community Forum

EATING DISORDERS

Eating Disorders Coalition

Health Corps – For Teens

National Eating Disorders Information Centre

National Mental Health Information Center – Eating Disorders

National Institutes for Health Eating Disorder Resources

National Eating Disorders Organization

About Face

Overeaters Anonymous

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND ABUSE

Internet Resources on Violence Against Women

National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

National Resource Center on Domestic Violence 1 800 537-2238

OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD)

Help for Teens and Young Adults with OCD

National Alliance on Mental Illness

Obsessive Compulsive Foundation

BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER

Low Income Mental Health Services Locator

Borderline Personality Disorder Resource Center

National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder – Support Group

Borderline Personality Disorder Central

ADDICTION AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE ISSUES

Drug and Alcohol Resource Center 1 800 784 6776

Help Starts Here – Addiction Resources

http://www.smokefree.gov/

Low Income Mental Health Services Locator

Prevention Resources – Kids and Teens

Quit Net – Tobacco

Resources, Training and Action on Alcohol Issues

Tobacco Cessation Resources

Treatment Facilities Resources

ANXIETY, PHOBIAS AND PANIC ATTACKS

Anxiety Peer Support

http://www.anxieties.com

http://www.anxietypanic.com

Low Income Mental Health Services Locator

National Center for Health and Wellness

ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER (ADD/ADHD)

Attention Deficit Disorder Association

Attention Deficit Disorder Resources

CHADD – Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Low Income Mental Health Services Locator

Special Education Resources on the Internet (SERI)

DEPRESSION

Beyond Blue

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

Depression Experience Journal – Children/Families

Every Minute – National Depression Resource List

Freedom From Fear

Help Starts Here – Depression

Low Income Mental Health Services Locator

National Institutes for Health – Depression Resources

Web MD – Depression Resources

POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)

Low Income Mental Health Services Locator

Mental Health Sanctuary Resources

Mental Health Today PTSD Resources

PTSD Support Resources

SUICIDE INTERVENTION AND PREVENTION

Every Minute Suicide Prevention – Resources & Support

Global Directory of Suicide Hotlines

Hopeline : 1-800-SUICIDE / 1-800-784-2433

http://www.suicidehotlines.com

http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Low Income Mental Health Services Locator

Samaritans – UK

SAVE – Suicide Awareness Voices of Education

Information on Child Abuse

Following is a list of Web sites containing useful information on child abuse as well as effective parenting. Many of the organizations who sponsor the sites use offer additional resources such as consultation, training, research, advocacy, or dissemination of information on child abuse.

American Humane – Devoted to preventing cruelty, abuse, neglect, and exploitation of children and animals.
Center for Effective Parenting – Provides helpful parenting information.

Child Care Aware – Committed to helping parents find the best information on locating quality child care and child care resources in their community.
Child Welfare League of America – Child Welfare League of America National Data Analysis System CWLA, in cooperation with the nation’s state child welfare agencies, provides a comprehensive, interactive child welfare database. Internet users can create customized tables and graphs, as well as access to information on child abuse.
Child Welfare Information Gateway – Child Welfare Information Gateway connects professionals and concerned citizens to timely, essential information and resources targeted to the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and families.
Child Welfare League of America National Data Analysis System -  CWLA, in cooperation with the nation’s state child welfare agencies, provides information on child abuse in a comprehensive, interactive child welfare database.
Child Trends Data Bank – Source for the latest national trends and research on over 100 key indicators of child and youth well-being.
Children’s Action Alliance – Helps promote the well-being of children and their families through research, policy development, media campaigns and advocacy.
Children’s Defense Fund – Mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start, and a Moral Start in life.

Children Now – Information on child abuse and on making children the top public policy priority.

Circle of Parents – Network of parent-led self-help groups where parents and caregivers can share ideas, celebrate successes, and address the challenges surrounding parenting.
Family and Marriage Counseling Directory – Articles, resources, and databases for finding family and marriage counselors.
Focus Adolescent Services – Resources on Teen and Family Issues. Topics include anger and violence; self injury such as carving, branding and marking; and abuse.

G.W. Medical Publishing – G.W. Medical Publishing is a leading clinical and forensic publisher serving the medical, legal, social service, and law enforcement communities with the resources they need to combat child abuse, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, domestic violence, child trafficking, and other maltreatment.
KIDS COUNT Data Book – Project by the Annie E. Casey Foundation to track status of children in the United States.
Life Prints Child Protection Technology – Life-Prints’ mission is to provide the most advanced  technology to the Child/Infant ID market, by developing and supporting proprietary, user-friendly software that interfaces with state-of-art equipment, with levels of customer support unattainable elsewhere.
MEDLINEplus – A service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.
National Data Archive on Child Abuse – Exchange among researched in child maltreatment field.

NetSmartz – Interactive, educational safety resource that teaches kids and teens how to stay safer on the Internet.
New Parents Network – Articles and information on child abuse and other topics for new parents.
Parents Anonymous – The nation’s oldest for information on child abuse prevention.
Prevent Child Abuse America – Dedicated to providing information on child abuse and inspiring hope to everyone involved in the effort to prevent the abuse and neglect of children.

Search Engine for Children – This site contains over 20,000 child-safe sites, and over 4,000 categories including the arts, computers, directories, entertainment, games, health, news, people, pre-school, school time, sports, hobbies, and family.
Stand for Children – Advocate for improvements to and funding for programs that give every child a fair chance in life.
State Sex Offender Registries – Registered sex offenders, listed by state.
The Stephanie Zimbalist Caring for Kids Fund – Judith Moose, Publicist and PR Friend to Childhelp is donating $2-3/book sold, including her up coming book, “The Greatest Cowboy of Them All,” a reflective story about Johnny Cash that will be distributed through WalMart.
TeensHealth – Created by The Nemours Foundation’s Center for Children’s Health Media, TeensHealth provides teens and families with up-to-date, jargon-free advice about health, relationships, and growing up. Topics include issues such as depression and self-cutting, abuse in the family, and safety basics such as internet safety.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children’s Bureau – Government site featuring information on child abuse, statistics, and resources related to child welfare.
Zero to Three – Publications, reference guides to programs, projects and professional developmental services promoting the healthy development of our nation’s infants and toddlers.

SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY LINKS:

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