Pandora’s Project was partly inspired by Tori Amos, a sexual abuse survivor and founder of RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network). In 1999 Shannon, a rape survivor founded a website for rape and sexual abuse victims. Shannon knew that there would eventually be many survivors needing help so she started a small message board so that survivors could support one another. Over the years, Pandora’s Project has grown to help thousands of rape and sexual abuse victims become survivors.
Pandora’s Project Founder
Shannon L is the president and founder of Pandora’s Project. She is a survivor of acquaintance rape and she started the message board when she was 19 years old. Shannon was named 2009 Women of Worth National Honoree and Daily Point of Light for her work with Pandora’s Project. She is trained as a domestic violence and rape advocate and is an educational speaker. She appeared on 20/20 in 1999 with Tori Amos and is a member of RAINN’s Speaker’s Bureau. She is also on the Board of Directors of An Infinite Mind. She is also an attorney and has a family.
Sexual Abuse and Rape Resources
Pandora's Project's mission is to provide information, facilitate peer support and offer assistance to male and female survivors of sexual abuse. They also have information that’s available for family members and friends to help them best respond to the needs of their loved one. This website contains a wealth of sexual abuse and rape resources.
According to Women of Substance, 38% of girls are sexually abused before the age of 18 and 16% of boys are sexually abused before the age of 18. They also state that a woman in the U.S. is raped or sexually abused two thirds of the time by someone they know, every two minutes. The aftermath of sexual violence is isolating and devastating.
Pandora's Project offers a message board, chat room, free lending library, numerous articles and other resources. Their resources are for victims 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. They also provide information for secondary victims and for those researching this topic.
There is also support for issues that occur throughout healing such as: flashbacks, depression, PTSD, self harm, eating disorders, relationship problems, sex and intimacy, spirituality, pregnancy and parenting, and legal concerns.
Sexual Abuse Forum – Pandora’s Aquarium
Pandora’s Aquarium is the first online community of its kind for sexual assault victims. This sexual abuse forum is monitored by 50 survivors, all of whom are volunteers. Pandora’s Project receives over 5 million hits a month.
Anne Woudstra, a social worker, has worked with sexual abuse victims. In an interview with Suite101 on November 29, 2010 she asserts, “Getting support from others who have experienced the same form of trauma is essential in recovery. Having a person who understands is really crucial in the healing process.”
This sexual abuse forum helps countless survivors, both male and female in their journey to healing.
In addition, there is a forum for secondary survivors, family members and friends who are struggling with coming to terms with abuse suffered by their loved one.
If you are a rape or sexual abuse victim, male or female, and you need help, contact Pandora’s Project. Pandora’s Project does not provide emergency crisis counseling. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call RAINN at 1-800-656-HOPE.
Sources:
Telephone interview with Anne Woudstra, Social Worker. November 29, 2010.
Additional Reading:
Child Sexual Abuse
Child Sexual Abuse – Support for Parents
Sex Abuse in the Foster Care System
Karen Stephenson - Karen has written for several newspapers and print media in addition to many online publications. She holds a B.A. in English and an ...
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