Moderators and members of Pandora's Aquarium have written and collected a number of articles for rape and sexual abuse survivors and their supporters. These articles are about rape, sexual assault, and child sexual abuse, as well as issues that survivors struggle with, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and eating disorders. We hope you will find these articles helpful in your healing. If you were a victim of rape, sexual assault, or sexual abuse and want to share your survivor story or get support from other survivors, consider joining the online support group, message board, and chat room.

What is rape? Definitions and links to state-by-state statutes.
What is sexual assault?
What is sexual abuse? Including child sexual abuse
Male Survivors What the message board & chat room offer men who have been the victim of sexual violence
LGBT Survivors What Pandy's offers lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rape and sexual abuse survivors

If you have just been raped.  Tips on what to do after rape or sexual assault.
Was it My Fault? Self-blame and Survivors.  Rape and sexual abuse victims often blame themselves for what happened and ask.  Please know that it was not your fault
Common Responses to Trauma - and Coping Strategies
For Survivors of Gang Rape
Grey Area Rape
Rape and Pregnancy.  Pregnant after rape and wondering what to do?
Memory and Abuse.  Discusses "false memory syndrome" and child sexual abuse.
For women survivors of intimate partner rape. Were you raped by a spouse or partner?
Real Rape: What Nobody's Telling You: Real rape isn't usually violent, and the rapist is often someone you know.

The Invisible Epidemic: Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Memory & the Brain
Sexual Violence and Grief: Will the pain ever end?
Confronting an Abuser: Discusses confronting your abuser, physically or mentally
PTSD and Art Therapy
Grounding: Coping with stressful periods in your life
The importance of self-care
Identifying and overcoming hurt from others.  Secondary wounding hurts.
Making the Decision to Get Help
Dealing with Triggers
Ten Steps to Fostering Gentleness & Compassion in Yourself
Be Gentle with Your Pain: Alternatives for those who are hurting
A Recovery Bill of Rights for Trauma Survivors: Within your lives and in therapy
Coping with Anniversaries: The anniversary of your rape does not have to be traumatic
Countering Self-Blame

Reporting a Rape
Medical Information: Rape kit and evidence collection procedures

Eating Disorders: A Guide for Parents and Loved Ones
Eating Disorders: Physical and Medical Complications
Eating Disorders: Signs & Symptoms
Definitions

Tips for Friends and Family of Rape & Sexual Abuse Survivors
More Tips for Secondary Survivors: What can you say to help a survivor?

Stalking: Facts & Resources
Suicide Risk Factors
My Journey from R.A.D. Student to R.A.D. Instructor:  An inspiring article about the Rape Aggression Defense self-defense course for women.

These are academic, referenced articles on topics of sexual violence.  All are available in PDF format.  Adobe Reader is required to view these files.  If it is not already installed on your computer, you can download it here.

Child Sexual Abuse in India
An Examination of Prostitution & Rape & the Response of the Church
How to Pastor to Adult Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors
Theories of Sexual Coercion
Sexual Assault and Young People: Research Supporting Education about Sexual Assault for Middle School Students