Finding
support
If you were ritually abused you
may be afraid that no one will believe you; that no one will be
able to help and support you. You may believe that the group will
always find you; that there is no safety anywhere. Other survivors
like you have felt the same way but many have managed to find
support for themselves. The following are some ideas of places
you can try for support.
Rape Crisis Centres - Are run by women for women only. They offer
a free and confidential support service. Some are experienced
in working with ritual abuse survivors and all are open to learning
more. Most will be able to advise male survivors of other agencies
for them.
Women’s
Aid – Run by women for women. They are a free and confidential
service. They offer safe accommodation and support to any woman
experiencing violence in the home.
Help-lines
- There are many telephone help-lines for survivors of sexual
abuse. Some of these are specifically for women only, some for
men and some are for both.
Survivors
groups - Most rape crisis centres will have a list of groups that
meet in their area.
Samaritans
- Offer free, confidential, support. They may not have a high
awareness of ritual abuse but are usually good listeners and can
help you find out what other services exist.
Psychologists
- Through a GP you can be referred to a psychologist. Though he
or she may not have a very high awareness, some are very open
to learning and can be very helpful.
Therapists
- You can usually access one free through a GP or you can go private.
Some have very good awareness of the issues of ritual abuse; some
don’t but are open to learning.
Friends
- Don’t underestimate friends. They can be very helpful
and supportive of you. Though they may never have heard of ritual
abuse before, they may be willing to learn about it and help you
find resources and other support.
Internet
- There is a great deal of support and information available now
on the Internet. This is a fairly safe way of accessing support
and information without anyone knowing who you are or where you
come from. Internet access is now available in libraries and cafés
in most towns.
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