This is a resource list for people who have experienced sexual trauma including sexual abuse, sexual assault, and rape.
Resources for People who Have Experienced Sexual Trauma
Immediate Support
Get information, resources, and support from a trained support specialist, by phone or chat. Learn more: https://hotline.rainn.org/online or call 1-800-656-4673.
Safe HelpRoom allows sexual assault survivors in the military to connect with and support one another in a moderated and secure online group chat environment. Learn more: https://www.safehelpline.org/.
Rape Crisis Centers offer free, confidential support for people who have experienced sexual assault or rape.
Llámanos 24-hour statewide Spanish Language Helpline
1-800-223-5001
Northeast Massachusetts
The Center for Hope and Healing
Lowell
1-800-542-5212
https://chhinc.org/
YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts
Lawrence, Lynn, Beverly, Haverhill, and Newburyport
1-877-509-9922
https://ywcanema.org/programs-services/womens-services/rape-crisis/
Boston Area
Boston Area Rape Crisis Center
Cambridge, Boston, and Waltham
1-800-841-8371
https://barcc.org/
Southeast Massachusetts
A Safe Place
Nantucket
508-228-2111
https://www.asafeplacenantucket.org/
The Women’s Center
New Bedford and Fall River
508-999-6636
http://www.thewomenscentersc.com/
A New Day
Brockton, Quincy, Weymouth, and Plymouth
508-588-8255
https://healthimperatives.org/a-new-day-rape-crisis-program/
Independence House
1-800-439-6507
Barnstable, Falmouth, Orleans, and Provincetown
https://independencehouse.org/programs-and-services/sexual-violence-rape-crisis-program/
CONNECT to End Violence
Oak Bluffs and Edgartown
508-696-7233
https://www.mvcommunityservices.org/services/domestic-sexual-violence-services/
New Hope
Attleborough, Taunton, and Webster
1-800-323-4673
http://www.new-hope.org/sexual-assault-services/
Central Massachusetts
Pathways for Change
Worcester, Fitchburg, Southbridge, and North Brookfield
1-800-870-5905
https://pathwaysforchange.help/pfc/
Wayside Trauma Intervention Services
Milford and Franklin
1-800-511-5070
https://www.waysideyouth.org/aboutus/ourservicesoverview/services/waysidemilford/trauma-intervention-services/
Voices Against Violence
Framingham and Marlborough
1-800-593-1125
https://www.smoc.org/voices-against-violence.php
Western Massachusetts
Elizabeth Freeman Center
Pittsfield, Adams, North Adams, and Great Barrington
1-866-401-2425
https://elizabethfreemancenter.org/learn-more/sexual-assault/
NELCWIT
Greenfield and Orange
413-772-0806
https://nelcwit.org/
Center for Women and Community
Amherst
413-545-0800
https://www.umass.edu/cwc/get-help
YWCA of Western Massachusetts
Springfield
1-800-796-8711
https://www.ywworks.org/i-need-help/
Peer-Led Groups
Many of us have experienced some form of sexual trauma in our lifetimes. This group is an intentional space for us to come together and talk about our experiences without judgment, to share our trials and out victories, and to dream into the future. Hosted by the Wildflower Alliance on the second and fourth Thursdays in Holyoke. Learn more: https://wildfloweralliance.org/holyoke/.
Sponsored by Survivor Theatre Project for survivors of sexual violence and held in cooperation with the Cambridge Women’s Center. Learn more: https://www.cambridgewomenscenter.org/monthly-calendar.
We have one reoccurring online support group available for anyone impacted by sexual violence. This includes survivors, friends and family of survivors, or anyone concerned about sexual violence. Learn more: https://www.sassmm.org/helproom.html.
SASA is a program of recovery for those suffering the effects of sexual assault. Learn more: https://www.sasaworldwide.org/meeting-locations.
Survivors of Incest Anonymous is a 12-step, self-help recovery program modeled after AA. Our mission is to empower survivors of childhood sexual abuse and to help them thrive. Learn more: https://siawso.org/meetings/.
Online Communities
A support subreddit for survivors of all forms of sexual assault. Learn more: https://www.reddit.com/r/sexualassault/.
A closed Discord community for survivors of sexual assault and rape of any kind. Here you can chat with others that are familiar with what you’re going through and it will be a place where you can relax and just be. Learn more: https://disboard.org/server/618867870029447219.
A peer support subreddit for adults who experienced sexual abuse as children. A place to share our stories, experiences, solutions and support with other survivors who are closer to our own age. Learn more: https://www.reddit.com/r/adultsurvivors/.
Reads
The purpose of this zine is to support young people who are survivors of sexual assault, as they search for resources, understanding, and a path toward healing. You are not alone. Learn more: https://www.ccasa.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/4649_CCASA-TSH-FINALJuly162019-WEB.pdf.
The letters in Written on the Body were penned by transgender and non-binary individuals who’ve faced sexual assault and domestic violence. Folded into each page are statements of reclamation and a welcome space to start conversation. These letters share hope with those who can’t find it in their homes or from their bodies. Learn more: https://microcosmpublishing.com/catalog/books/9622.
Dear Sister shares the lessons, memories, and vision of over fifty artists, activists, mothers, writers, and students who share their stories of survival or what it means to be an advocate and ally to survivors. Written in an epistolary format, this multi-generational, multi-ethnic collection of letters and essays is a moving journey into the hearts and minds of the survivors of rape, incest, and other forms of sexual violence, written directly to and for other survivors. Learn more: https://www.akpress.org/dear-sister.html.
A zine about how to support the survivors in your life. This zine will provide you with a starting point for learning the skills and resources you need to feel confident in your ability to be there for others. Learn more: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1024269481/i-believe-you-a-colorful-zine-about.
A process that women can use to relieve the effects of trauma in their lives. It rebuilds self-esteem and gives back the personal power, trust, and sense of connection that are taken away by traumatic experiences. Learn more: https://www.wellnessrecoveryactionplan.com/product/healing-the-trauma-of-abuse-a-womens-workbook/.
Resources Especially for Men
The mission of 1in6 is to help men who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences live healthier, happier lives by providing information and support resources on the web and in the community. Learn more: https://1in6.org/.
MaleSurvivor is an organization committed to preventing, healing, and eliminating all forms of sexual victimization of boys and men through support, treatment, research, education, advocacy, and activism. Learn more: https://malesurvivor.org/.
Other Resources
Jane Doe Inc works to amplify the voices of all who are impacted by sexual and domestic violence and to undo the social injustices that perpetuate an abuse of power. Learn more: https://www.janedoe.org/.
The National Sexual Violence Resource Center provides providing information and tools to prevent and respond to sexual violence. Learn more: https://www.nsvrc.org/about/national-sexual-violence-resource-center.
Taking Back Ourselves is dedicated to recovery for women survivors of sexual abuse and assault. Learn more: https://takingbackourselves.org/.
Looking for more resources?
Contact the NAMI Mass Compass Helpline. Compass is available Monday through Friday, 10 am – 6 pm. Call us at 617-704-6264 or email us at compass@namimass.org.