Over 43 million women and 38 million men have experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
Here is an overview of the best online support groups for domestic violence.
What’s more, their highly-trained advocates are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
They can help you find a shelter or support group in your area that meets your needs.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
This nonprofit organization is committed to providing support for adult survivors of abuse andsexual trauma.
Hope Recovery
They also have a detailed program to make it join one of their private groups.
And they offer Facebook groups as well.
This practice is especially useful for survivors whose ex-partners stalk them online or engage in digital abuse.
Fort Refuge
Hope Recovery also provides a free publication,Bridge of Hope, which is their online trauma anddissociationpublication.
This publication is filled with useful information and can be downloaded directly from their website.
They offer a similar publication,Nourishing Hearts, which focuses on healing from trauma and eating disorders.
DomesticShelters.org
Overall, Hope Recovery’s online support groups are designed to support survivors of abuse and sexual trauma.
Founded in 2008, Fort Refuge continues to grow and evolve.
Their only requirement is that all members agree to and abide by their extensive list of membership guidelines.
Love Is Respect
You also will find a number of useful resources on their site.
These include online articles, documentaries, bookstores, recommendations, and poetry by survivors.
Overall, they come together to discuss both their struggles and their victories.
iStockphoto
What’s more, occasionally a professional will comment on a post to offer direction or general advice.
In fact, their editorial advisory board is comprised of authors, researchers, and program operators.
Online support groups are not meant to replace counseling or therapy.
Your family members and loved ones may also benefit from support groups.
What Are the Benefits of a Support Group?
Identifying with others in a similar situation can help reduce the adverse effects ofstigma.
Plus, what’s nice about online support groups is that some of them offer 24-hour chat options.
Likewise, being active in a support group is often a complementary component to your overall healing plan.
Plus, online support groups can provide you with access to additional resources and information.
How Do I Stay Safe in an Online Support Group?
When selecting an online support group for domestic violence, it’s important to consider your safety.
For this reason, you want to select an online support group that is secure and private.
It’s best to avoid public forums and social media groups where anyone can see what is being posted.
We looked at the services they provide as well the resources available to their participants.
So, we relied on information from advocates who work regularly with survivors of domestic violence.
You also want to be sure you are joining a group that feels secure both electronically and personally.
RAINN.Effects of sexual violence.
