Resources

This page provides resources for survivors of childhood sexual abuse and assault, people in recovery, veterans, and the people who support them.

The organizations below provide crisis support, peer support, information, treatment resources, and other services for people looking for help.

For people who have experienced sexual abuse or assault

Resources for survivors of sexual assault, as well as for families, caregivers, and people seeking information. 

• 1in6 — confidential resources, weekly online support groups, and community for men who have experienced sexual abuse or assault. Anonymous 24/7 chat, plus the Bristlecone Project, a video library of other men telling their own stories.
• RAINN — the National Sexual Assault Hotline. Free, confidential, 24/7, in English and Spanish. Call 800.656.HOPE (4673) or chat online.
• Helping Survivors — information and support for survivors of sexual abuse and assault, organized by the setting it happened in.

Suicide prevention and crisis support

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988, any time, anywhere in the US. You do not need to be suicidal to call. Overwhelmed counts.
• Veterans Crisis Line — dial 988 then press 1, text 838255, or chat online. Staffed by people who understand service, and you do not need to be enrolled in VA care.
• SPARTA Peer Support — Forrest’s own secular, spiritually neutral peer support program. No religious belief is required; the focus is connection, accountability, shared experience, and helping people stay alive and move forward.

Addiction and recovery

• SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Free, confidential, 24/7, 365 days a year. A treatment referral and information service in English and Spanish for individuals and families facing mental health or substance use disorders. They will help you find local treatment whether or not you have insurance.

Further reading

• Sexual Assault Guide — an overview of survivors’ legal rights and options.
• Financial Abuse — recognizing financial abuse and coercive control.

If someone you love discloses to you

The words you use matter. When someone tells you about abuse, trauma, or something painful they have survived, simple responses can make a difference.

I believe you.

I hear you.

It did happen.

It really was that bad.

You are not alone.

You do not have to fix everything in that moment. Believe them, listen to them, and take what they are telling you seriously.

If you are worried about someone’s immediate safety, call or text 988. You can call on someone else’s behalf.

Read Forrest’s story

Angel Blue: A Song of Redemption is his account of foster care, abuse, Iraq, addiction, and the long work of choosing to stay. Many readers pass their copy to someone who needs it.

About the book → · About Forrest →

Know an organization that belongs on this page? Tell us. Listings are not paid placements and do not imply endorsement of any legal or financial service.