Resources for Survivors.

Local Therapists

It is always advisable for individuals to seek professional help when coping with trauma and mental distress. If you need immediate help or feel your life is in danger, You should contact 911 immediately.

Many of the hotlines listed on the right can refer you to a specialized therapist in your area, including the National Sexual Assault Hotline. RAINN has an excellent article titled “How Can Therapy Help?” that discusses what to look for in a therapist, how to find one, and what to do when your therapist isn’t working out. Remember that it’s perfectly fine to try out different therapists until you find one who is a good fit for you.

If you are local to north-central West Virginia, SHIELD recommends the following therapists to abuse survivors:

• Chris Campbell — Resolutions Counseling Bridgeport | 304-848-0303

• Michelle Wakeley — Harmony Bridgeport | 304-460-5123 ext. 2

• Melissa Garcia Webb — Family Services of Marion and Harrison Counties Fairmont | 304-366-4750 ext.105

• Dr. Adrienne Bean — Brighter Pathways Fairmont | 304-365-4102

Your local child advocacy center (such as the Marion County CAC or Monongalia County CAC) may also be able to refer you or your child to a good therapist.

Online Lists of Resources for Survivors

The following websites have compiled extensive lists of resources available for survivors:

• Greatist — “67 Resources for Sexual Assault Survivors Who Aren't Sure Where to Turn”

• GRACE — “Resouces” (includes articles, videos, interviews, and “Voices of Survivors” posts)

• Stop It Now! — “Adult Survivor Resources and Support” (for adult survivors of child sexual assault)

• RAINN — “National Resources for Sexual Assault Survivors and their Loved Ones”

• The National Domestic Violence Hotline — “For Victims and Survivors”

  NCADV — “Resources for Victims and Survivor of Domestic Violence” (includes resources specifically geared towards children, teens, differently abled, women of color, men, and other groups)

• Child Welfare Information Gateway — “Organizations for Adult Survivors of Abuse”

• Darkness to Light — “National Resources” (broken into categories such as referral resources, medical resources, and legal assistance)

Books for Survivors

If you are a survivor or counselor and would like to recommend a book that is not on this list, send us a message on Facebook or Twitter, or email us at contact@shieldwv.com.

Survivor Memoirs

A Stolen Life: A Memoir by Jaycee Dugard
Freedom: My Book of Firsts by Jaycee Dugard
Pretty Damaged by PS Oehler
My Story by Elizabeth Smart
I Have the Right To: A High School Survivor's Story of Sexual Assault, Justice, and Hope by Chessy Prout
SHOUT by Laurie Halse Anderson

Other Nonfiction

Healing Is a Choice: 10 Decisions That Will Transform Your Life and 10 Lies That Can Prevent You From Making Them by Stephen Arterburn
What the Bible Says to Abuse Survivors and Those Who Hurt Them by Victor Vieth
Rid of My Disgrace: Hope and Healing for Victims of Sexual Assault by Justin Holcomb and Lindsey Holcomb
Is It My Fault?: Hope and Healing for Those Suffering Domestic Violence by Justin Holcomb and Lindsey Holcomb
Suffering and the Heart of God: How Trauma Destroys and Christ Restores by Diane Langberg
The Spiritual Impact of Sexual Abuse by Diane Langberg
On the Threshold of Hope by Diane Langberg
Anatomy of the Soul: Surprising Connections between Neuroscience and Spiritual Practices That Can Transform Your Life and Relationships by Curt Thompson

Fiction Books About Sexual Assault

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
The Way I Used to Be by Amber Smith
Hush by Eishes Chayil
Girl Made of Stars by Ashley Herring Blake

National Helplines

Below are some helplines available for victims and people in crisis, organized by topic. Church pastors, volunteers, leaders, and members may need to call these hotlines themselves or pass them along to others in need of help.

Alcohol and Drugs
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration: 800-662-4357

Child Abuse
Childhelp: 800-4-A-CHILD (800-422-4453)

Child Sexual Abuse
Darkness to Light: 866-FOR-LIGHT (866-367-5444)

Child Welfare
Child Welfare Information Gateway: 800-394-3366 or live chat on website 

Crime Victims
Crime Connect Hotline: 855-4-VICTIM (855-484-2846)

Crisis (Any Kind)
Crisis Text Line: Text “LISTEN” to 741-741

Domestic Violence
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800−799−7233

Human Trafficking
National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888 or text “Be Free” to 233733

Missing or Abducted Children
Child Find of America 800-I-AM-LOST (800-426-5678)
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: 800-THE-LOST (800-843-5678)

Parents
National Parent Helpline: 855-4-A-PARENT (855-427-2736)

Poison
National Capital Poison Control Center: 800-222-1222

Pregnancy
American Pregnancy Helpline: 866-942-6466
Option Line: 800-712-HELP or text “HELPLINE” to 313131
Crisis Pregnancy Helpline: 800-672-2296
National Life Center: 800-848-LOVE

Runaways
National Runaway Safeline: 800-786-2929

Sexual Assault
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673)

Suicide
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255)

Local Resources

• Prevent Suicide WV: 304-415-5787

• WV Child Abuse Hotline: 800-352-6513

• WV Child Advocacy Network (WVCAN)

• WV Coalition Against Domestic Violence

  • Downloadable resources

  • Licensed domestic violence programs

• WV Crime Victim Compensation Fund: 304-347-4850

• WV Foundation for Rape and Information Services (WVFRIS)

  • State Coordinator: 304-366-9500

  • Rape Crisis Centers

• WV Handle With Care

• WV Human Trafficking Task Force