Resources updated - WSO

(Wo)Men Speak Out has updated the list of resources on our main page as well as added a resource list specific to mental health.
Please feel free to email us your suggestion or comment on this page for us to review.

D.I.D. Blogs

Today, I have been doing a lot of research on line to follow up with survivors who inquired to resources for D.I.D.

Connecting with other survivors is so important in healing process as it helps in coming to terms with and flourishing in, what I call, "ones creative processes."





So, to all of our readers and friends who have emailed, let me say "You are not alone!" and there are a lot of very cool, creative and awesome bloggers out there, to share with and learn from.

Below is a list of blogs and sites that I think are good places to start.

Jigsaw Analogy
An Infinite Mind
A Safe Place
Multiple Reflections
John Michael's Blog
Keepers Corner
Beautiful Dreamer
It Takes A Village
Shadow Monsters and Fairy Gifts
D.I.D. Blog
Living with MP
Pilgrim's Journey
Roses On The Moon
My Dissonance
Life Spacings

For all the newbies, welcome! Here's our D.I.D. Youtube video for recap.

Ask the question.

Something that we hear a lot from loved ones of survivors is that there is a large variety of resources for survivors to reference, but fewer that help loved ones to get a handle on what has happened and what they can do to help.

There are a number of ways in which family and friends can support an adult survivor of rape, sexual assault and gender violence:

* Listen in a way that supports and validates the survivors’ feelings.
* Let them know that you believe what they are telling you.
* Make yourself available for the survivor.
* Encourage survivors to seek help.
* Let survivors disclose details of the abuse at their own pace.
* Ask survivors what they need from you to feel safe and supported.
* Take care of yourself and get help if needed.
* Educate yourself on recovery issues. See suggested reading for a list of literature to assist you.

Admittedly, there are a lot of questions that arise when someone in your life is trying to work through their trauma. Sometimes, the things you say or do, though well intentioned, may not be appropriate or helpful to the survivor.

I have read a number of books as a survivor and as an advocate in the field. Some of which we recommend on our site.

For more information, please visit our resource page: http://www.womenspeakoutnow.com/resources.html

If you have additional resources, not yet listed please let us know. We will do our best to review them and if appropriate, add them to the list.

Days like this...

There are days when what we are doing seems like baby steps in a world owned by giants.

Sometimes, not hearing from people or seeing their reactions can leave you feeling like maybe you just aren't reaching people. It can be disheartening, overwhelming. It can leave you feeling hopeless. Then there are days like today.

We received an email from an Advocate all the way from Bangalore, India named Nazu.

Nazu came across our blog and took the time to write us and let us know that our site is one that will be added to the "Askios" network to refer people to. Nazu is a survivor-advocate who created the site in order to provide resources for survivors of childhood abuse, and also network and connect with activists in India and other Asian countries, who work in the field of child sexual abuse.

We also received an email from a survivor who has yet to break their silence publicly. Someone who just doesn't feel that he is ready to speak out for fear of not being believed, for being blamed for his abuse. The social and familial stigma is just too great right now, but knowing that WSO existed was enough to reach out, in an email and let us know that there is comfort in knowing that he is not alone. Thank you for that email.

When I read these emails, I felt like the world got a little smaller and that we really are making a mark, reaching each other, across all barriers.

Today is a small reminder, that you must never lose sight of your goals. That there will be days when you feel like it's too big a feat, too difficult a task. It's in these moments that you must ask yourself "If not you, who? If not now, when?"

Never. Stop. Talking.

Mike Lew

I had the privilege of meeting Mike Lew several years ago at a conference in O.H.I.O. He is an amazing author and advocate and one of our favorite authorities on the topic of Male Sexual Violence .





Mike wrote our Sept 07 BOOK OF THE MONTH pick: VICTIMS NO LONGER The Classic Guide for Men Recovering from Sexual Child Abuse.

Mike appeared on Breaking the Conspiracy of Silence back in February and we wanted to share this archive with you on the topic of male abuse.

This is a three-part interview:

Secton 1: Mike shared why he prefers to use the term "sexual child abuse" and how he happened to get into working with victims of sexual abuse. We talked about why men don't disclose as readily as women. Click: http://salesbr.vo.llnwd.net/o2/D2L/dtl070228a.mp3

Section 2: They discussed the impact of sexual abuse on men, including the issue of male stereotypes and images of masculinity, shame and the assumption that abused boys will become perpetrators. Click: http://salesbr.vo.llnwd.net/o2/D2L/dtl070228b.mp3

Section 3: Mike discussed the recovery process for men, including the importance of finding safety, giving up isolation, feeling the pain, making allies and having fun. He stressed that counselors who work with this issue have respect for the client, since that is a major wound for abused people.Click: http://salesbr.vo.llnwd.net/o2/D2L/dtl070228c.mp3


Funding cuts have disallowed this amazing radioshow: Breaking the Conspiracy of Silence, to no longer exists. Archives are still available, but our hope is that sponsors will be found in order to get this resource up and running again. If you or someone you know can help, please email Kathleen and let her know that you heard about it from WSO. We love Kathleen!!

Breaking the Conspiracy of Silence is now accepting sponsors and advertisers for the Internet radio show, Breaking the Conspiracy of Silence. For more information and rates contact: Kathleen@ethicalife.com