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survivor2survivor.org, is an online resource for survivors of rape and sexual assault. Conceived and created by survivors, the site is designed to be an information and support medium for women and men who have lived through the trauma of sexual violence. We’re dedicated to shining a candle into the dark corners to which these crimes have been relegated and to dispersing the shadows that keep its victims suffering in silence. Please visit us at survivor2survivor.org.

Despite the advances that have been made in American society in eliminating the stigma of rape, as well as the shame its victims feel after being violated, sexual assault is still a crime that is rarely spoken about “in polite company”. Survivors still question whether anyone will believe them. They continue to question whether they will be abused again by the justice system if they pursue legal action against their perpetrator. They also question whether the reaction they receive from their family and friends will be one of loving support or of embarrassed side-glances. By providing them with pragmatic information, survivor2survivor strives to eliminate as many of the above questions as possible. There are plenty of recovery sites that give textbook advice gleaned from psychologists, doctors and social workers. Rarely has there been a site that provides information from fellow survivors that address the gut-wrenching, soul-chilling, (sometimes) messy process of recovery. That’s what survivor2survivor is all about—helping victims cut through the clinical and get real about what it takes to come back after rape. By addressing the realities of recovery, we strive to help survivors to stand tall and speak the truth about their victimization. Because only when a survivor can speak to their experience without feeling that the rest of the world prefer they just “keep quiet” will they hold their head high and truly take back their life from the monster(s) who tried to steal it.

The experience of rape is an extremely personal violation, an event that can only be fully understood by its victim. However, there are similarities in the experience of all rape and sexual assault survivors regardless of age, race, gender or the details of the crimes committed against them. It is this similarity that brings survivors together to heal, and is the basis of many of the resources found on survivor2survivor.org. The resources we provide have been found to be useful not just by one or two survivors, but by many who have found themselves on the road to healing. Not all resources may be helpful for all survivors, but all survivors will find a resource that will be helpful to them.

We welcome all who have been affected by a rape, including those who feel the affects of the assault of someone close to them. Family and friends serve a crucial function in the healing process, and we acknowledge the strength and courage of the countless spouses, parents, siblings, boyfriends, girlfriends, colleagues and roommates of rape survivors who reach out day after day to serve as an ally to those who so desperately need it. Their understanding and support can make all the difference in a successful recovery, so we have also designed this site as a supportive place for family and friends to gain knowledge about this life-shattering crime.

Important Notice: If you or someone you know has been the victim of a rape or sexual assault and you need immediate help, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE. This hotline is operated by RAINN--the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network--and is staffed 24/7 with knowledgeable and compassionate volunteers who are there to listen. They’ve helped over a million callers, and they can help you. To find out more, go to www.rainn.org.

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