Domestic Abuse Links

The following domestic abuse links have been grouped according to their content, eg general DV, legal, research, etc. If they are UK-based , they are in bold type, as laws, support available and other legislation is obvious different in other countries around the globe.

PLEASE NOTE: HIDDEN HURT ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBILTY FOR CONTENT OF OTHER SITES.

National Aid Organisations and Refuges
General Abuse & Recovery/Healing Sites
Personal websites
Research
Training & Courses
Internet Support Groups
Religious Sites Dealing with Abuse

General Christian
Christadelphian
Jewish
Muslim & Islamic

Legal Information
Government Departments
For Men
Lesbian/Gay
Health Issues

Depression
Mental Health
Trauma
Self Injury / Self-harm

Other Sites of Interest & Relevance

National Aid Organisations and Refuges
National Women's Aid Federation of England	National Oranisation providing free advice, support and Refuge places
Refuge	National Refuge Centre with links to Scottish and Irish sites
The Samaritans	Support for anyone suffering from depression of feeling suicidal
Rape Crisis Federation	Excellent site covering all aspects of rape, local support groups, dealing with Police and Courts, etc
Victim Support	Support for all who suffer as a result of violence
MATCH - Mothers Apart from Their CHildren	An organisation ran voluntary for and by mothers who for some reason or another are seperated from their children
Donegal Domestic Violence Service	The Donegal Women's Refuge Group (D.D.V.S.) provides help to women and children who suffer, or have suffered from, physical, mental/psychological, sexual or economic abuse within an intimate relationship.
Wales Domestic Abuse Helpline	The Wales Domestic Abuse Helpline is the national free support and information service for women, children and men in Wales who are experiencing or who have experienced abuse at the hands of someone close to them.
Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling	Free and confidential listening, support and information for Men and Women affected by sexual violence of any form, including rape, incest, childhood sexual abuse, date or aquaintance rape, male rape, and any form of sexual assault or harrassment.

General Abuse and Healing/Recovery Sites
rhiannon3.net	A friendly US-based DV site with excellent articles on a range of topics and very readable information
Aphrodite Wounded	A beautiful site by a survivor of intimate rape, offering understanding and support. If you have been raped by an intimate, this site is a must!
Joy2MeU	A truly fascinating site by Spiritual Teacher and Codependency Therapist Robert Burney, whose work has been compared to John Bradshaw's and who has developed a unique approach to emotional healing from codependency. Loads of info on co-dependency, healing the inner child, dysfunctional and healthy relationships, toxic love, etc. A must visit for anyone trying to heal.
Blain Nelson's Abuse Pages	Very descriptive pages on the cycle of abuse especially; 'his' and 'her' stories - well worth a read
Gift from Within	A private, non-profit organization dedicated to those who suffer post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), those at risk for PTSD, and those who care for traumatized individuals. Excellent resources on PTSD, DV and sexual victimisation, including male sexual abuse.
Domestic Violence & Incest Resource Centre	Australian resource centre for information about domestic violence and sexual assault. Very good indeed and well worth a read whoever you are!
Actabuse	A good site including rape and abuse information, guestbook, etc
St. Jude's House	An excellent comprehensive Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse resource site.
Hitting Home	The BBC website on Domestic Violence. Excellent, comprehensive site offering clear and understandable information with good links and further resources. Loads of personal Stories, info for male and same-sex victims, sexual assault survivors, perpetrators and further links for teens. Well worth a visit.
Save Your Spirit	Dedicated to Domestic Violence, Stalking and Abuse victims. Provides information on all the issues, including safety, shelters and coalitions, signs, and prevention as well as an online community, editorials, survivor and community spotlights. US based.
Symptoms of Emotional Abuse	A good page on Emotional Abuse + resources for male victims (follow the link). Links are worth checking out too!
Support 4 u	Provides a live chatroom and members forum moderated by a support member, consisting of abuse survivors. The site is manned 7 days a week from 10am - at least 11pm.

Personal Websites
My Sister Marquerite	Marquerite was stabbed to death on 11th January 2002 at Euston tube station in London by her stalker, her ex-boyfriend.
Kencys Korner	Written by a survivor of abuse about her 12 years of marriage to an alcoholic abuser. May be triggering.
Church Abuse Poetry	A personal poetry site dealing with the experience of spiritual abuse after seeking divorce after years of living in an abusive marriage.
The Lighthouse Sanctuary	The Lighthouse Sanctuary seeks to provide survivors of abuse and their families/partners with information and resources for support. To provide people with a better understanding of the emotional, physical and mental trauma of living and surviving abuse.

Research
Domestic Violence Data Source	An information co-ordinating system on projects relating to domestic violence within England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland
British Crime Survey	Home Office Research No. 191. Domestic Violence: Findings from a new British Crime Survey self-completion questionnaire (pdf format)
Government Policy on DV	Including definition, prevalence, UK Government response, Police, CPS, Civil law, addressing offender behaviour and more.
NACRO: Sex Offenders - Reducing the Risk	This paper summarises currently available statistical and research information on sex offenders, describes the measures currently being taken or considered by the Government to protect the public from such offenders, and makes proposals to reduce the risk which sex offenders pose to the public in general and to children in particular. (September 1998)
Witness to Violence	Prevalence and Effects of Child Exposure to Domestic Violence. A discussion of current knowledge and limitations in research regarding the prevalence and effects of child exposure to domestic violence. Facts and Articles. Well worth a visit.
W.I.S.E.	DV as a form of child abuse: witnessing and direct victims of DV, effects, coping abilities, prevention. Excellent resource site.
WAVE	Women Against Violence Europe (WAVE) is a network of non-governmental organisations which aims to combat violence against women and children in both public and private life.

Training & Courses
Freedom Programme	For women who have been abused, or who wish to avoid it. Based on the Wirral UK but rapidly spreading throughout the UK. It is free to any woman who wishes to attend. On the Wirral it is funded by professional training events provided by the creator of the Freedom Programme, Pat Craven. The Freedom Programme manual has also been translated into Spanish. Pat Craven is now using it to work with abusive men.
Certain Curtain Theater Company	A professional touring theatre company with a specialism in Domestic Violence - using live theatre to engage members of the public and professionals in the issues - for general awareness-raising and specific training.
CSPA (UK) Ltd	Dedicated to and specialised in all psychological and physical aspects of Women’s Personal Safety, also providing a Close Protection Service, who those who are facing visits to court or other locations. CSPA (UK) Ltd. is currently offering a number of trainings seminars across the country.
RESPECT	The National Association for Domestic Violence Perpetrator Programmes and Associated Support Services. RESPECT hold a full list of Perpetrator Programmes in the UK (including those that accept self-referral). Telephone for details on 020 8563 8523 or email info@respect.uk.net.
Positive Learning	A training and consultancy company committed to training social care professional, volunteers and service users

Internet Support Groups
Hidden Hurt Message Forum	A lively and supportive message board for victims, survivors and those wanting to know how to help friends or family being abused. The Forum is a US/UK joint effort, moderated by survivors. You DO NOT need to give any personal details to participate, and you are very welcome simply to browse and read the messages.
MATCH - Mothers Apart from Their CHildren	An organisation ran voluntary for and by mothers who for some reason or another are seperated from their children
Empowering the Phoenix	A motivational resource centre for domestic abuse survivors. Includes a FREE 14 day course to boost your confidence and help you on your way to a new you.
Shout Out - Screaming Against the Pain	A personal site by a rape survivor with some very well researched and written articles, forum and more.
Strong Survivor's Support Group	An e-mail based support group for survivors of abuse.

Religious sites dealing with Abuse Issues
General
Protection of the Theotokos	Originally a support site for clergy abuse, now includes excl. articles on all aspects.
Christians for Bible Equality	A site for Christians by Christians giving clear biblical perspectives on the position of men and women in Scripture, the Church and the Home. A MUST READ for anyone confused about the submission of women in Church and Family.
Spiritual Needs of Abuse Victims	Website by Diane Stelling looking at the spiritual needs of abuse victims
Christadelphian
Abuse - A Christadelphian Response	A Christadelphian Abuse Information page by the Christadelphian Support Services in NSW, Australia
Canadian Caring Network	Online Manual on various family issues, support and links within the Christadelphian Community
UK Care Group	The UK Christadelphian Care Group website, links and support
Jewish
Jewish Women International	Jewish Women's Organisation focussing on issues concerning family violence.
Judaism, DV & the Agunah Problem	Articles on Judaism, Domestic Abuse & the Agunah Problem. Further articles and contributions sought
Muslim & Islamic
Islam - Bearing witness to the Truth	Islamic DV page; links to more pages.

Legal Information
Delia Venables Legal Resources	Provides free legal information for individuals with a legal problem, including lists of solicitors who are willing to provide initial free legal advice by email.
	Assists families, individuals and businesses who are in financial difficulty by providing independent and confidential counselling on personal budgeting, advice on the wise use of credit and achievable plans to repay outstanding debts.
Sharing Pensions	This is a free information website focused on the division of pension rights resulting from UK divorce, including an extensive glossary explaining terms found in marriage breakdown, retirement planning and offers a valuation service from IFA pension experts.
IVA Advice	provides free impartial debt advice for UK residents with money troubles. If you have a minute take a look at the site – it is a great resource.

Government Departments
Social Security Homepage	Information on benefits available
Home Office Domestic Violence Issues	Government Policy, Home Office agenda, official publications, Crime Reduction Programme, Multi-agency Guidance on addressing DV and further links
Home Office - Living without Fear	Provides general information on Government action against domestic violence, including the Government Living Without Fear Campaign to tackle violence against women, as well as copies of relevant Home Office publications.
New Deal for Lone Parents	Information on the New Deal for Lone Parents provided by the DSS (help for lone parents seeking work)
Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs (Ireland)	The Irish Social Services Homepage, providing details on benefits, and much more.

For Men
Male Victims of Domestic Violence	A UK-based Domestic Abuse site specifically for male victims and survirors. Includes information on types and effects of abuse, coping mechanisms & more.
Survivors Swindon	A regionally based, nationally recognised agency, offering a confidential telephone helpline to male survivors of child sexual abuse and adult sexual assaults.
MenWeb	A site for battered or abused men. Very comprehensive with loads of personal stories and articles.
MensAid	A UK-based site for dealing with Domestic Violence and child contact issues with an emphasis on men's issues, though an excellent resource site for all concerned.
Mankind	A UK organisation offering support and education for all involved in Family Abuse, with an emphasis on helping men. Safe House for men opening in September 2003.
Bury Men's Group	A UK group which has been established over two years mainly campaigning for improvements in the health and wellbeing of men, but also contains a page on the reality of Domestic Abuse for men.

Lesbian/Gay

http://www.lambda.org/

A DV site aimed at the lesbian and gay community

The Pink Practice

A counselling and psychotherapy practice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Leeds and London by experienced and qualified UKCP registered psychotherapists and/or BACP registered senior counsellors. Offers short and longer term work at a frequency to suit, including:
Individual Psychotherapy and Counselling; Relationship Consultations; Family Therapy; and Supervision and Consultation

Email: info1@pinkpractice.co.uk

Health Issues
Clinical Depression.co.uk	Probably the most informative and readable site on clinical depression on the net! Explains clearly not only the causes and symptoms of depression, but what it actually is, and teaches practical methods for overcoming depression. For anyone who is depressed, their friends and family.
Counselling Directory	The purpose of the site is ultimately to provide the UK with a huge counselling support network, enabling those in distress to find a counsellor close to them and appropriate for their needs. This is a free, confidential service that will hopefully encourage those in distress to seek help. The website also contains a number of sections on emotional disorders (types of distress section) and provides some useful statistics. Every counsellor on the site who has submitted their profile has either sent a copy of their qualifications and insurance cover to us, or is registered with a professional body online with recognised codes of ethics and practice, this way we can be assured of their professionalism.
Internet Mental Health	PTSD, description, diagnosis, treatment, research, booklets and further links
David Baldwin's Trauma Information Pages	Probably the most comprehensivewebsite on emotional trauma and traumatic stress, including PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder)
Whitfield Recovery Resources	Free recovery resources for addiction, PTSD, adult children of dysfunctional families and other childhood trauma from Charles Whitfield MD, author of the best selling book, "Healing the Child Within". Spiritual Emergence and awakening help from Barbara Harris Whitfield, author of "Spiritual Awakenings," "Final Passage," and "Full Circle." A free site dedicated to recovering the Whole Person.
madNOTbad	A lovely site for those affected by mental ill health/distress to share their experiences, opinions and creative talents online. It's aim is to combat the isolation, stigma and misconceptions that tend to surround mental illness and promote the idea that 'being mad don't make you bad'
Living Manic Depressive	A very good and informative website on what it acutally means to be living with Bi-Polar II, both for the person affected and their friends and family. If you want to know what it is really like, check this site out!
National Mental Health Association	An excellent American organisation dealing with all aspects of mental health and mental illness with a very informative website
Self Injury Support ( S.I.S )	It is the aim of S.I.S to offer help, support and advice to all those who self harm, in a non judgmental, supportive and caring way, offering support on a personal and practical level.
The Basement Project	The Basement Project provides support groups for those who have been abused as children and people who self-harm, and also provide training, consultation and supervision for workers in community and mental health services. Good range of publications. Information available in English and WELSH.
Life Works	Life Works is a private treatment centre providing treatment for addictions, compulsive behaviours and related mental health issues. Tel 01483 757 572
Addict Information	Information on addictions (alcohol, drugs, etc) and various treatment methods, includes section for family and friends.
SIARI - Self-Injury & Related Issues	SIARI aims to raise awareness of self-injury, as well as offering hope, and enlightenment to those who self-injure, their kith and kin, and those who work alongside people who hurt themselves. The site will be of value to anyone wishing to gain insight into the complex and much-misunderstood phenomenon of self-injury, and the issues that surround it. Includes helpline numbers for the UK and USA.

Other Sites of Interest and Relevance
Familyonwards	A site written and maintained by Jill Curtis (see her article on DV). Information, advice and support for all families: traditional, single parents, step-families, grandparents, etc. Comprehensive, friendly and readable with loads of articles on all aspects of the family.
The Bully	Written by Neville Evans, an experienced Police Constable, this site offers lots of information on various aspects of school or work bullying and domestic violence.
Gingerbread	An organisation providing information and support for lone parents in England and Wales.
The Bully	Information provided by a Police Constable on issues of bullying - school bullying, work bullying and domestic violence, looking not just at the theory, but above all, the practical ways in which we can confront a bully and keep ourselves safe.
Bully Online	An excellent website on all forms of bullying - home, work, school, church, etc. Loads of articles & regular, informative newsletter.
stichtingzijweg	Domestic Abuse site based in the Netherlands with loads of information and offering support for victims and survivors of domestic violence.

To submit your site, please fill in the form on the Domestic Violence Resources page. All link requests will be checked out and inserted in the Links page if considered suitable.

This site is built with the help of SBI, it helps finance and support this site to enable us to keep it free from annoying pop-ups and advertising (!) and enables us to continue concentrating on our one aim: to bring domestic violence issues out into the open and give understanding and hope to those trying to flee abusive households and rebuild their lives.

So if you are considering building your own online business or website, do consider SBI and help contribute to running Hidden Hurt at the same time! Thanks.

For another example of a site which I built with SBI, have a look at Kiddie Gardens - Gardens for Children and Gardening with Kids.