SPECIAL RESOURCES
The following resources are intended for any survivor of extreme trauma who seeks help. They represent Amira’s choices.
Anyone can do an Internet search. These resources are my personal selections.
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Wikipedia offers an international list of crisis hotlines to call (or text, in many cases) if you are depressed, especially if you are thinking of harming yourself or taking your own life.
Wikipedia list of suicide crisis lines
Please note that 988 is the number to call for the suicide crisis helpline in both the U.S. and Canada.
In both countries, 988 can be reached 24/7 by call or text.
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The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) offers a U.S.-based national hotline that you can call or text. It provides support (and a host of resources) for survivors of sexual violence.
The Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) is a national organization working toward justice for sexual assault survivors. It offers a webpage of resources for survivors.
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Wikipedia offers a list of national and international domestic violence hotlines.
Note: Although you will also hear the term “gender-based violence,” this term appears to many to exclude same-sex domestic violence (which is just as common as other forms of domestic violence) in addition to men beaten by their female partners (such as my late father-in-law), men in general and children. I therefore prefer the terms family violence or domestic violence.
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The National Human Trafficking Hotline is more than a hotline. Look up the website. You'll find the hotline number (1-888-373-7888) but also a place to chat or text, a TTY number for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing, statistics, fact sheets, resources, ways to report tips and more.
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Psych Central offers a detailed overview called How Does Trauma Affect LGBTQIA+ Communities?
Gender dysphoria is a special case. Did you know that 41% of transgender individuals try to commit suicide? If you are transgender, my heart is with you. Take a look at this online article, Is Being a Transgender Child Traumatic?(My opinion: yes.)
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If you are a survivor of torture, no matter what country you are from, help is available in the U.S. and other countries. For example, Heal Torture provides an interactive map that shows 48 torture survivor treatment programs (“healing centers”) across the U.S.
If you are a torture survivor living outside the U.S., the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims lists its 156 member programs in 76 countries. Perhaps you can find a treatment program near you.
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Complex Trauma Resources provides a stunning array of carefully curated resources for survivors of multiple types of trauma. The resource page is stupendous. It may have the finest list available of books on trauma.
“Trauma creates change you don’t choose. Healing is about creating change you do choose.”