Sexual Abuse Resources for Child and Adult Victims

Sexual abuse or assault is devasting to its victims. Whether the victim is an adult in an abusive relationship or a child who was sexual abused by a trusted caregiver, the impact could last a lifetime. The Law Office of Andrew Shubin is dedicated to advocating for the rights of victims and their families. Part of this commitment is providing resources for victims of abuse. Sexual abuse can easily destroy the victim and their family and it is not something anyone should go through alone. Below is a list of resources from our lawyer for victims of institutional sexual abuse.

Effects of Sexual Abuse for Children and Adults

When someone is a victim of sexual abuse, either as a child or an adult, they could suffer a variety of long and short-term effects. While these effects will vary from individual to individual, many undergo similar experiences.

Many victims are overcome with guilt or shame. They often feel responsible for not being able to stop the abuse or putting themselves in a position where they were abused. In many situations, a victim blames themselves more than the person who should be held criminally and civilly accountable.

When a person’s first sexual experience is one of sexual abuse, their ability to form healthy adult intimate relationships is impacted. Many victims of childhood sexual abuse struggle with maintaining relationships or setting health and safe boundaries as an adult.

Low self-esteem is often an issue people face without any traumatic past. However, victims of childhood sexual abuse are more prone to experience the adverse effects of low self-esteem. The negative ripples of the abusive behavior hurt their relationships, career, and health.

General Resources for Sexual Abuse and Assault

National Sexual Assault Hotline

RAINN operates a national hotline for anyone who is affected by sexual abuse or violence. All calls are routed to the nearest service that provides support for victims of abuse. The hotline number is 1-800-656-HOPE.

National Sexual Violence Resource Center

The Nation Sexual Violence Resource Center provides victims of abuse a large body of information and resources related to sexual violence and abuse. Its mission is to help curb sexual abuse through collaboration and the sharing of resources.

National Organization for Victim Assistance

NOVA is the oldest organization focused on helping victims of sexual assault and abuse. They provide resources, training, counseling, and other services to aid those who have experienced sexual violence.

U.S. Department of Justice: National Sex Offender Public Website

This extensive national database links all public, state, and territorial offender registries into one searchable national register.

Resources for Child Sexual Abuse

National Child Abuse Hotline

The National Child Abuse Hotline is a centralized call center that links victims of abuse or those concerned about a child’s welfare with the ability to speak or text with a counselor. The number is 1-800-422-4453 for text or voice. The hotline also accommodates over 140 languages.

Darkness to Light

The helpline is 1-866-FOR LIGHT (367-5444) and provides both crisis intervention services and referrals to children or adults that were victims of childhood sexual abuse. The number automatically routes callers to local help centers.

Cyber Tipline

Maintained and operated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the Cyber Tipline allows individuals to confidentially share information with the appropriate authorities regarding child pornography or other exploitive activities.

National Children’s Alliance

The National Children’s Alliance is a collaboration between law enforcement, physicians, and mental health professionals who investigate instances of child sexual abuse. Their website contains information, resources, and a directory based on geographic location.

Stop It Now

Stop It Now provides information to victims of child sexual abuse. It is also an important source of resources for parents, relatives, and friends of abused children. The site also provides an instructive guide on ways to recognize signs of child sexual abuse. The hotline number is 1-888-PREVENT (773-8368).

Justice for Children

Justice for Children offers a wide variety of services and sexually abused children.

Resources for College Students

Know Your IX

This website provides information and resources to college students regarding their rights under Title IX.

End Rape on Campus

EROC is an organization committed to assisting college students in filing Title IX complaints.

Resources for Sexual Abuse Victims in Domestic, Dating, or Intimate Relationships

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Victims of domestic sexual abuse and violence can reach out to an advocate that will provide information and resources for local counseling, safe houses, shelters, transportation, and crisis intervention. The hotline number is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) and is available in over 170 languages.

National Teen Dating Abuse Online Helpline

Many teens are confused and ashamed if they are victims of sexual abuse. This online service provides teens who have been sexually abused or are in abusive relationships help, counseling, and information.

Pathways to Safety International

Pathways is a crisis center that serves mostly children and women who are victims of sexual abuse. They also advocate and provide services for military and civilian victims overseas.

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

This organization is committed to helping and empowering victims of sexual abuse and assault.

Call Our Sexual Abuse Attorney for a Free Consultation

Many victims of sexual abuse do not know where to turn. The experience leaves many feeling traumatized and guilty. The Law Office of Andrew Shubin offers victims of abuse sympathetic representation. However, our office is aware that victims of sexual abuse have more concerns than their legal options. By providing resources and links to national advocacy groups, we hope to give our clients access to the full range of services and assistance they need to cope with this devastating experience. To schedule a free and confidential legal consultation, call our office at (814) 826-3586.