Victimization and Support Groups
Australia, Canada, European Union, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States, Related Documents
Australia
Advocates for Survivors of Child Abuse: ASCA (Advocates for Survivors of Child Abuse) is a national not for profit organization of survivors supporting other survivors. - ASCA's door is open to anyone (over 18) who feels they have suffered abuse - physical, emotional, sexual or spiritual. Through an Australia-wide support network - online, phone and face-to-face, monthly newsletter, 1300 information line (1300 657 380), and counselor-facilitated programs, workshops, awareness events and this website, ASCA helps to break down the sense of isolation and alienation many survivors feel, validates survivors' experiences and encourages trust.
Angelhands: Provides information, peer support, advocacy and referral for victims of crime in Western Australia.
Healing Hearts Foundation: The Healing Hearts Foundation website which is designed to offer comfort and easy access to parents, siblings, friends and families coping with the loss of a child or loved one.
HVSG - Homicide Victims' Support Group Australia:The purpose of this group is to provide support, counselling and information for families and friends affected by homicide in NSW. HVSG has three main aims:To provide support, information and counseling for families and friends affected by the murder of a loved one; To educate the general community and professional bodies about the needs of people affected by homicide and to increase effective communication between all parties that come into contact with families of homicide victims, thus promoting understandinl To promote the interests and rights of families of homicide victims, lobbying for legislative change wherever inequities or loopholes exist.
Queensland Homicide Victim Support Group: This group seeks to provide peer support, help, love and understanding to victims of homicide and to create awareness of the needs of homicide victims through education and reform.
Victoria Homicide Victims Support Group: VHVSG offers immediate support, assistance and advocacy to families and friends of homicide victims. They strive to help survivors with a program designed to: cope with the grief and trauma; to help seek justice for their loved ones; and to help survivors rebuild their lives.
Canada
Bereaved Families Online: BFO, a project of Bereaved Families of Ontario (Canada) provides a place to discuss your experiences and learn about grief with others who have been there. Their services give you a chance to talk, in a confidential setting, about how your loss affects your life. They feel that by sharing with others who have been there, you may learn how to cope by gaining insight into your own thoughts and feelings. This site includes a series of helpful articles for friends, family and co-workers of someone dealing with a death.
Canadian Crime Victim Foundation: This organization is dedicated to: crime victim support and positive change to victim services and legislation; providing "client centered" support services to victims of crime; providing services and personal support as well as sensitive timely responses to clients needs to the victim and also to similar agencies; removing linguistic, financial, physical, social or cultural barriers to provide more equal access for people of all abilities.
l’Association des Familles de Personnes Assassinées ou Disparues: The Murdered or Missing Persons' Families' Association (MMPFA), is a family advocacy association that represents the families of victims and offers them support and advice. The association was created for families whose loved ones have been murdered or are missing.
RCMP Fraud & Scams Alerts: Information for consumers on the many kinds of fraud and scams that can take place both on and off the Internet.
Victims of Homicide: Families Coping with Death by Violence: Victims of Homicide Support Society of Edmonton is a self-help group designed to offer emotional support and information about surviving the loss of a loved one to murder. The group provides ongoing emotional support to help parents and other survivors deal with the pain of their loss and rebuild their lives.
European Union
EURESTE: The aim of the Eureste project is to reflect on the way the victims of terrorism and their families experience this tragedy. The second goal is to establish an inventory of useful European resources concerning this issue.
New Zealand
Red Raincoat NZ Trust: The Red Raincoat Trust was established to help form a support network throughout the Country for the victims of Homicide. Their services inclucde: information provision, referrals to regional social services, emotional support and advocacy.
United Kingdom
Child Death Helpline (UK): The Child Death Helpline is a helpline for anyone affected by the death of a child of any age, from prebirth to adult, under any circumstances, however recently or long ago. Their site includes helpful links and information, as well as an online information service.
Eighteen and Under: Eighteen And Under charity, based in Dundee, which offers confidential support and information to any young person aged 18 and under who have experienced sexual, physical or emotional abuse.
AMEN Ireland: AMEN is a voluntary group which provides a confidential helpline, information and a support service for male victims of domestic abuse and their children. Their site contains extensive information and links of assistance.
Missing in Ireland Support Service (MISS.ie): The primary aim of Missing in Ireland Support Service is to support families and individuals who have a relative, colleague or friend who is officially classified as “missing”. They supply support and information services.
Mothers Against Murder and Aggression: Supporting family members of homicide victims, and advocating for victims with the criminal justice system.
Support after Homicide Ireland: This is a national voluntary organisation which provides emotional support and practical information to people whose lives have been affected by homicide. Their services include: Emotional Support; Practical Information; One to one support; Family support; Support Groups; Group therapy.
Support After Murder and Manslaughter (SAMM) : The homepage of a regional branch of the UK SAMM organization, which provides information to the public and support to survivors of homicide and manslaughter. Also their child organization, Support After Murder and Manslaughter Abroad.
The Compassionate Friends: TCF is organisation of bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents dedicated to the support and care of other bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents who have suffered the death of a child/children.
United States
Abuse/Incest Support : A large collection of links of interest to those seeking support. Links are available for hotline and support groups, text documents, websites of interest, legal and political news, chat rooms and more.
Al-Anon and Alateen: Describes these organizations, gives questionnaires for determining if your life has been affected by alcohol and the 12 steps of Al-Anon.
Battered Husband Support: An online discussion area for men who have been battered by their mates. The group administrator does an excellent job of keeping the discussion positive and productive.
Brazos County Rape Crisis Center: Containing a large amount of information on rape and rape prevention, this site also includes anonymous support counselling, utilizing the same security features web browsers use to safely send credit card information across the 'Net.
Citizens Against Homicide: CAH fffers advocacy for survivor rights, letter writing campaigns for legislation or for petitions, cold case information, and a variety of courtroom and trial support.
COPS - Concerns of Police Survivors : This organization offers services and programs for survivors of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.
Crime Victim Advocacy Council (Atlanta): Hosts a homicide co-victim support group for persons over the age of 18. The CVAC assists victims, families, and communities affected by crime to cope with their suffering and pain throughout the healing process, by:
(1) engaging in community outreach and educational activities to increase the awareness of issues of crime and justice affecting diverse populations; (2) offering educational programs and support groups to enhance victims’ knowledge and problem-solving skills concerning issues of crime and justice within a safe and caring environment; (3) promoting advocacy that supports crime victim rights’ legislation in general and assists crime victims as they navigate the health, legal, and criminal justice systems to address their own needs and concerns; and (4) collaborating with public and private agencies through education, training, and research ventures that enhance our understanding of, and response to, issues associated with crime, victimization, and the administration of justice.
Department of Health and Human Services Emergency Mental Health and Traumatic Stress Index: A series of descriptive links leading to information on disasters, how to deal with stress, and how to talk about these concepts to children, adults and the elderly.
DOVE: Dignity of Victims Everywhere: A support organization for those who have lost a loved one through violence. This page has some excellent links to other support and memorial pages.
Gift from Within: GfW is 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. It develops and disseminates educational material, including videotapes, articles, books, and a resource catalog. maintains a roster of survivors who are willing to participate in an international network of peer support. Their website is has a wealth of online articles, research materials, support forums and more.
Help For Adult Victims of Child Abuse (HAVOCA): A voluntary organization established to provide help, support and guidance to adult victims of child abuse. Extensive information on services, support agencies and other information is provided.
Justice for Homicide Victims: JHV provides: Support and friendship to distressed persons who experienced the homicide of a family member; Referrals for survivors physical and emotional health; Contact with similarly bereaved family members or other persons; Public awareness and education of victim rights and the abuse or noncompliance of thee rights in all areas of the criminal justice system; and support of victims who fight for their rights.
Male Survivor: Male Survivor is an organization which works through research, education, advocacy, and activism for the prevention, treatment and elimination of all forms of sexual victimization of boys and men. On their site you'll find background and education information, links to sites of interest, online support and much more.
Michigan Crime Victims: This excellent advocacy and victim rights site lists articles of interest, has an events and support calendar, gives information on protection orders, has links which lead to directories of state victim services and support organizations and much more.
Murder Victims.Com: A support and information site for the families and friends of murder victims. The site includes information resources, advocacy projects and several web forums where survivors can talk about their feelings, thoughts and experiences.
National Air Disaster Alliance/Foundation: NADA/F is a non-profit organization which seeks and advocates to improve the treatment of the families/survivors of aircraft disasters as well as advocating for prevention and higher standards of safety in the air industry. This organization represents aviation professionals as well as the survivors, family members and others impacted by over 35 aviation disasters. Their site includes sign-up information, support and informational links, a history and background of the organization and more.
National Transport Safety Board Family Affairs: Links to a series of sites, booklets or collections of articles dealing with the families /survivors of aircraft disaster victims, including the NTSB Family Assistance Plan for Aviation Disasters: this is an overview of the Federal plan for helping, supporting and informing families in case of aircraft disaster; this paper includes multiple appendix.
New Mexico Survivors of Homicide: NMSOH is a Not-For-Profit organization founded in 1996. It provides support and information for survivors of homicide about the grieving process, the criminal justice system and all other issues pertaining to the survivors of a victim of murder.
Oklahoma City Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism (MIPT) : The Oklahoma City National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism is dedicated to preventing and reducing terrorism and mitigating its effects. They feel they have a special obligation to first responders - police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and all of the others who are first on the scene in the aftermath of terrorist activity.
Outpost for Hope: This organization seeks to bridge the gap between under-represented missing, unidentified deceased persons, and their families. This population often includes the homeless, runaways and others forgotten by society. They assist families who are searching for their lost loved ones, support the efforts of law enforcement, and educate the public about this silent epidemic.
Pandora's Aquarium: Pandora's Aquarium is an online support group, message board, & chat room for rape, sexual abuse, & sexual assault survivors We welcome all survivors of sexual violence. If you've been a victim of stranger rape, acquaintance or date rape, molestation, incest, childhood sexual abuse, partner or marital rape, gang rape, or any other type of sexual assault, you are welcome to join the survivor message board, chat room, and online support group for help as you heal, recover, and reclaim your life.
Parents of Murdered Children (US National): POMC provides: ongoing emotional support; support in dealing with the criminal justice system; assistance to any survivor and will, if possible, link that survivor with others in the same vicinity who have survived their loved one's murder; individual assistance, support and advocacy; training to professionals in such fields as law enforcement, mental health, social work, community services, law, criminal justice, medicine, education, religion, the media and mortuary science, who are interested in learning more about survivors of homicide victims and the aftermath of murder. Parents of Murdered Children, Inc. Promotional Video
Psych Central: Dr. John Grohol's Mental Health Page. This is one of the best resources on the web for information on all aspects of mental health. Included are extensive directories of mailing lists, newsgroups and web sites of interest to anyone looking for information on mental health or self-help and support groups.
Rape Recover at Healerguide's Home Page: A site for victims of rape, it includes a contact for an online support group and a large number of links relating to rape, rape survivors and their families.
Romance Scams: A non-profit information and advocacy organization, their purpose is to create public awareness on this crime, provide accurate information and expertise to assist in the successful demise of online romance scams, and help people learn, heal, and experience a safe on-line environment. Their site includes extensive background information on the many types of scams, particular dangers to be aware of, the provision of peer counselors for victims to talk to about what has happened to them, and more.
Sanctuaries: An excellent support site for victims of violence, abuse and rape, with many links of interest.
Sexual Abuse of Males - Prevalence, Lasting Effects, and Resources: A site by Dr. Jim Hopper, it supplies information, support and resources for males abused as children
Shaken Baby Syndrome Alliance: A large and complete site, including sections on frequently asked questions, conferences and events, prevention, signs and symptoms, crisis hotline, support and much more.
Survivors of Homicide in Connecticut: Support, advocacy, civil litigation and other events and projects are just a few of things this organization provides.
Team HOPE: Team HOPE assists families with missing children by offering counsel, resources, empowerment and emotional support from a trained volunteer, who has had or still has a missing child.
The Bright Side: A very useful site which presents information and support for those suffering from depression, stress or a personal/traumatic crisis. They supply links to other sites, online articles, educational materials, support groups and much more.
The Compassionate Friends (USA): TCF is a self-help organization for bereaved parents and siblings. There are presently hundreds of chapters world-wide. This site gives membership information, information on finding a local chapter in your and has links to other TCF local chapter webpages. There is also a branch of the TCF in the United Kingdom, and in Canada (regional listing: Ottawa, Prince Edward Island, South-Western Manitoba, Winnipeg)
The Stalking Victim's Sanctuary: An excellent site giving information on what stalking is and how to deal with it, it also has an on-line support chat group, suggestions on how to deal with stress, a list of telephone numbers to help a person find a local support group and a short listing of links on the topic.
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors: TAPS is a non-profit organization made up of, and providing services to, all those who have lost a loved one on active duty with the Armed Forces. The heart of TAPS is the US national military survivor peer support network. They also offer grief counselling referral, case worker assistance and crisis information, all available to help families and military personnel cope and recover.
VICTIMLAW (USA): VictimLaw is a user-friendly database of victims’ rights laws in the United States. VICTIMLAW is a cooperative project between the National Center for Victims of Crime and the US Office for Victims of Crime.
Violent Crime Victim Services: Based in Tacoma, Washington, this organization provides support to family and friends of homicide victims, including: advocacy, support groups, court accompaniment, public education and referrals.
Wisconsin Advocates for Families of Missing People: WAFMP provides community awareness, education, support and closure for Wisconsin's families of missing endangered adults. WAFMP supplies immediate support to the families, and assists bydistributing flyers, informing media and law enforcement of the missing status of loved ones. WAFMP also provides financial assistance in areas such as hiring investigators, transportation, planning benefits along with other needed areas of the search, and by assisting through grass roots efforts searches for the lost and through understanding and support from volunteers for those left behind. WAFMP also provides community education services in a variety of areas to reduce the incidence of tragedy and missing persons in Wisconsin.
Witness Justice: Witness Justice serves survivors of violent crime by providing information that will help establish an understanding of the healing process, justice system and victim rights. Witness Justice serves as a portal through which survivors can locate local and state-supported services and ask expert volunteers important questions about recovery and the justice system. Their web site offers information about healing and support, plus provides a means for victims to anonymously connect with others to share experiences, ideas, advice and concerns, thereby creating a sense of understanding, support and community.
