By Survivors, For Survivors

Tools for the Journey

By Survivors, For Survivors

Here on SurvivorSpace, we believe that healing is a unique and personal journey that looks different for everyone. Our “By Survivors, For Survivors” page is a space where survivors can find unique content developed by other survivors to help them navigate their healing journey. We understand that healing from child sexual abuse can be a challenging and often isolating experience. That’s why we’ve created this space for survivors to access content that has been curated specifically for them, by survivors who understand what it’s like to go through this process.

“Welcome Letter” written and read aloud by Angie Conn, Survivor & Advocate.

poems

Words from Survivors

EDITORIALS

Breaking the Silence

testimonials

Survivor Wall

“I want everyone to know that abuse is not just something that happens to you, and then you move on. Abuse, especially at a young age, gets inside of you and changes how you view yourself and your world. It gets in the way of your free expression as your own unique self. Now I speak out, because our stories need to be told. I am a survivor. Together with other survivors we can bring this silent suffering to light, take hands together, bring the abusers out into the open, and stop the harming. It can be done.”

John-Michael battled with finding his true self and authentic voice. As an athlete, he endured sexual abuse from coaches, benefactors, and medical team which resulted in years of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and even suicide attempts. His research, The Grooming Trifecta, provides how grooming affects everyone no matter their sexual orientation, gender, or religious beliefs.

“As a survivor who has been on the healing journey for 19 years and as an advocate, being part of SurvivorSpace has been monumental in my personal and professional journey. The website and the creative heartbeat behind it combines elevating survivor voices and getting unique trauma-informed healing resources to survivors in the most effective, user-friendly ways. My hope is that the “by survivors, for survivors” focus of SurvivorSpace will remind survivors tangibly that their voices have value, their stories matter, and that we are not alone.”

HELPFUL TIPS

Tip Sheets

Choosing a Qualified Attorney for Civil Litigation

State laws affect all our lives in myriad ways every day. When it comes to child sexual abuse, state laws dictate how specific crimes are defined, the timeframe in which those crimes can…

Getting Involved in Public Policy at the State Level

State laws affect all our lives in myriad ways every day. When it comes to child sexual abuse, state laws dictate how specific crimes are defined, the timeframe in which those crimes can…

The Meaning of Justice to Survivors

The word “justice” can mean something different from one survivor of child sexual abuse to another, and each meaning is equally valid. The healing process for survivors is impacted by numerous factors, including the…

Statute of Limitations: The Basics

What is a Statute of Limitations? A statute of limitations (SOL) is a legally-defined period of time during which a criminal or civil legal action can be initiated against a person or entity alleged…

How to Respond When Someone Discloses Child Sexual Abuse to You

It can be extremely difficult for survivors to come forward and share their story. They may feel ashamed, concerned that they won’t be believed, or worried they’ll be blamed. Leave any “why”…

Tips for Child Sexual Abuse Survivors Who are Parents

You Are Not Broken – Child sexual abuse is far more prevalent than most people realize. If you were harmed as a child, that does not mean you will be a parent…

Sextortion and Your Rights

Sextortion is when someone threatens to distribute your confidential and sensitive material (often nude photos) if you do not do something they want (such as providing them more images of a sexual…

My Disclosure Plan

Disclosing your abuse, assault, or maltreatment is a deeply personal choice. Some survivors feel that creating a plan around who and what they should tell and what support they may need around…

Self-Care & the Healing Journey

Self-care is a crucial, non-negotiable part of the healing journey for adult survivors of child sexual abuse. We hear the term “self care” thrown around a lot in our culture…

Healing Affirmations

I am safe in my own skin. I am worthy of loving and being loved. I am a force to be reckoned with. My voice matters and is valuable. My story has…

CSA Survivors Who Are Parents: How Not to Pass Down Trauma Responses To Children

Raising children as an abuse survivor can be a lonely and isolating experience. The triggers and flashbacks of abuse can be hard for non-survivors to understand. It can also be a healing…

Addressing CSA Topics with Adolescents, Youth Ministers and Faith Leaders

Let families know when lessons/discussions focused on body safety, online safety, and healthy relationships will take place….

VIDEOS RESOURCES

Survivors Speak Out

Am I Going To Be Shunned For Speaking Out?

There are huge rewards and many risks in coming forward and disclosing in the court system that you are a victim of child sexual abuse coming forward is a huge step on…

How Do I Find The Right Lawyer?

You can find a lawyer by contacting the national crime victim bar association at victimbar.org. They’ll give you referrals to qualified experience attorneys who represent victims of childhood sexual abuse. They’ll give…

How Do I Know If My Lawyer is Any Good?

Not all lawyers are the same. Just like not all doctors are the same kind of doctor. If you have a brain tumor you don’t want to go see a dentist. If…

How Does My Coming Forward Make a Difference?

I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to talk about the abuse and free yourself from keeping that deep, dark secret. Because in my case I couldn’t live my healthy, best…

How Do I Stop Blaming Myself?

For so long it took me to come forward to talk about my abuse because I thought it was my fault. I was the one that got in the car with the…

Al’s Story

Al shared his personal experience of being sexually abused and how it affected his mental and physical health….

I Feel Like Giving Up Because No One Is Listening, What Should I Do?

If you’re looking for help and you tell one person that first person doesn’t listen keep on going keep on asking keep on telling because at some point someone will listen and…

I Was Turned Down By the IRCP, Should I Still Contact a Lawyer?

The Catholic Church has set up programs to allow people to seek compensation for their abuse from the church without filing a lawsuit. Even if they turned you down that doesn’t mean…

I Know What Happened to Me Was Abuse, but It’s Been So Long. Does it Matter?

No matter how long ago your abuse occurred it still matters. For a number of reasons. First, if the person who abused you is still alive, chances are they’re still molesting kids…

If An Abuser Is In My Family Or Is a Family Friend, What Resources Exist For Me?

It can be difficult to talk to your family about child sexual abuse you’ve experienced in general. It’s made even more complicated when the abuser is a family member or a family…

Does What Happened To Me Count As Abuse?

I had no idea that when a man sexually performed a sexual act on me I had no idea that was illegal. I had no idea. I knew it felt wrong. I…

If I Decide to Come Forward, What Information Will I Need?

Many survivors are scared to come forward during a civil window period because they think they need an inordinate amount of proof but really survivors just need their truth and their story….

This website/mobile application was produced by Zero Abuse Project under grant number 15POVC-21-GK-01095-NONF, awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this website/mobile application are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

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Tools for the Journey