Helpful Resources

We have written An Introduction to the Unthinkable to help contextualize the issue of incest and describe common physical and emotional impacts on survivors.

Below are some websites that we found very helpful in understanding incest and offering emotional and practical support for victims and survivors:

Incest Victims - Why Children Don't Tell About Sexual Abuse
A lot of victims of child sexual abuse usually don't report the abuse immediately. Here are a few of the reasons that prevent them from seeking help.

The Child Advocacy Center
This site dispels ten common myths about child sexual abuse.

Rape Abuse & Incest National Network
A site of activists for education and prevention of sexual assault and abuse.

Darkness to Light: End Child Sexual Abuse
Incredible resources and statistics, realistic but optimistic assessment of the situation, and real opportunities to be of service.
Everyday Feminism:  A great resource of current-generation thinking, advice and support on respect and an end to rape culture.
DrugRehab.com:  Many survivors experience PTSD and turn to substance use to numb the pain.  This website can help understand the trauma/substance connection and help you determine first steps out of the trap.
Recovery.org:​  Substance abuse accompanied by other mental health disorders is known by the term "dual diagnosis." This informative website is also a helpful resource for finding the specialized care that can be critical to successful treatment.   

Strength for today:
http://www.upworthy.com/having-a-bad-day-heres-46-powerful-things-you-should-really-hear?c=upw1

Some Numbers...

Good statistics are difficult to find, because the crime is so hidden, but estimates suggest incest survivors represent about 1 of every 14 American girls or women you know and 1 of every 20 boys or men [Darkness to Light].

We are all ages, from newborns to adults.  We represent every race and socioeconomic status in this country – and live in all parts of this country.  No race or class is exempt, regardless of attempts by the ignorant to classify the phenomenon as a rural, lower-class, or minority activity. 

Many of us are undiagnosed and untreated adults who were abused as children and now are struggling to find our way in the world while carrying a bewildering assortment of physical and emotional handicaps we often do not understand. 

Statistically, we are:
  • 3 times more likely to suffer depression.
  • 4 times more likely to contemplate suicide.
  • 6 times more likely to suffer post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • 13 times more likely to abuse alcohol.
  • 26 times more likely to abuse drugs.
      [Source: Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network]