Resources
Below is a list of resources for survivors of CSA and those seeking to support them:
CSA survivors blog
This is an excellent blog covering most aspects of Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA). Whether you are a survivor or someone trying to support a survivor, educating ourselves as deeply as we can pays dividends. It is such a complex and difficult topic; it really does help to be better informed, also this helps us be more aware of the issue and thus protect children better.
https://csasurvivors.home.blog/
Pedophiles know dissociation do you?
An excellent, horrifying yet essential article detailing how sophisticated pedophiles are able to intentionally invoke disassociation in their victims.
https://thedirtiestsecret.blogspot.com/2008/08/pedophiles-know-dissociationdo-you.html
DID dissasociative identity disorder research
This site aims to fill a void of comprehensive yet accessible resources pertaining to trauma and dissociation. It serves to promote awareness and understanding of a variety of topics related to dissociative identity disorder, other dissociative disorders, trauma, and trauma’s effects.
https://did-research.org/
https://did-research.org/origin/structural_dissociation/primary
https://did-research.org/origin/structural_dissociation/secondary
https://did-research.org/origin/structural_dissociation/tertiary
Children May Not Remember Trauma, But Their Bodies Do
Trauma is a powerful force that can shape the way children view themselves, others and the world around them. The impact of trauma extends beyond emotions, leaving lasting imprints on the body, brain and overall well-being. Understanding trauma opens the door to healing and resilience. Let’s explore what trauma is, how it impacts children and how neuroscience is helping organizations like KVC Health Systems empower children and families to overcome these challenges and thrive.
https://www.kvc.org/blog/children-may-not-remember-trauma-but-their-bodies-do/
The Association Between Childhood Trauma and Memory Functioning in Schizophrenia
Objective: Both neurocognitive impairments and a history of childhood abuse are highly prevalent in patients with schizophrenia. Childhood trauma has been associated with memory impairment as well as hippocampal volume reduction in adult survivors. The aim of the following study was to examine the contribution of childhood adversity to verbal memory functioning in people with schizophrenia.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3080678/
Forgotten Memories of Traumatic Events Get Some Backing from Brain-Imaging Studies
When adults claim to have suddenly recalled painful events from their childhood, are those memories likely to be accurate? This question is the basis of the “memory wars” that have roiled psychology for decades. And the validity of buried trauma turns up as a point of contention in court cases and in television and movie story lines.
Unconsenting Media
Media can have a powerful effect on our lives. Regulatory bodies recognise the potential of that power, and that’s why commercially aired and released films all over the world now begin with warnings of violence, sexual content, and foul language. We know that the images we view are never just images and that the words are rarely only words. They influence our emotions, our thoughts and, over time, the way we think about the world around us. This is why portrayals of consent in the media are so important.
https://www.unconsentingmedia.org/
NAMI (National alliance on mental illness) Resources for People who Have Experienced Sexual Trauma
This is a resource list for people who have experienced sexual trauma including sexual abuse, sexual assault, and rape.
https://namimass.org/sexualtrauma/
To access ongoing support and therapeutic work:
NHS talking therapies offer free psychological support. Your GP can refer you or you can refer yourself. You will need to be registered with a GP. For more information visit: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-NHS-talking-therapies-service
Ideally everyone would access this easily but, in reality, there can be very lengthy waiting lists.
Finding an independent therapist
Many clinical/ counselling psychologists and psychotherapists in independent practice have experience of treating survivors of all forms of child abuse and neglect. Most advertise on Psychology Today . Check psychologists are registered with HCPC to ensure they are qualified psychologists but this alone won’t guarantee their experience in offering psychological therapy or working with survivors. Unfortunately, psychotherapy can also be a minefield to understand as it isn’t regulated so you might have to dig a little deeper to understand their qualifications too.
Most psychologists and therapists will offer a free consultation for you to see if they are a good fit. Do ask about their experience of delivering psychological therapy and specifically about working with survivors of sexual abuse. Also use this consultation to gauge whether they are someone you could feel at ease with.
On restricted income?
There are a number of charities specialising in supporting victims of sexual abuse and assault.
By Region
Nationwide – Survivors UK
Nationwide – Rape Crisis
Nationwide – Survivors Network
Nationwide – Mankind
Nationwide – SARSAS
Nationwide – Safeline
Leicester – 1st Step
Manchester – We Are Survivors
Norfolk – Sue Lambert Trust
Nottingham – Notts SSVS
Scotland – Rape Crisis
Suffolk – Survivors in Transition
West Yorkshire – Survivors
Affordable counselling networking offer online counselling at £25 per 50 minute session. Find out more here
Specialist Survivor Groups
Breaking The Silence – specialist support for men who’ve experienced sexual abuse or assault from racialised minority groups
Connect with others
Connection and support are important for healing. We do better when we feel supported and less isolated or alone. Below is a list of additional resources that you can engage with if you are of restricted financial means. These groups are not crisis support groups and do not specialise in treating survivors of abuse but do offer the opportunity to connect with others in a safe space and begin having more open conversations. There isn’t pressure to talk in any of these groups. Members understand that just showing up is an act of courage in the first instance.
Andy’s Man Club – Face to Face groups nationwide
Emotions Anonymous (EA) offers self-help groups for those suffering from mental and emotional difficulties. Meetings take place via Zoom and in person. It is a spiritual program although not a religious program. Visit their website to find out more
Mind offer free mental health services. The services available vary depending on location but you can find out more about the services local to you by visiting
Anxiety UK offers talking therapy for anxiety. They offer reduced costs for those on a low income. You can find out more here
Seen & Heard – offer specialist groups for those who attended boarding school. They are not focused on abuse but many of those who attend have had this experience.
Men Speak – is a not-for-profit community creating spaces for enabling men, just like you, who want more out of life – to consciously, authentically, sustainably grow into bigger better lives..
Further Information about csa and males