Chats and Message Boards

There are a variety of support services available to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault on the Internet. We have listed some of these resources below.

Please keep safety in mind as you are using these resources.  Only some of them are moderated and screened. Many of the message and discussion boards can be accessed by anyone on the Internet.  Never post your real name or contact information to a chatroom or message board.  If a resource requires that you choose a username, pick a name that does not include your real name.  If you have to sign up using your email address, be sure to use a safe email address.  It is also best to use a computer that the abuser does not have access to.  For more information, visit our Internet Security page.

Please note: WomensLaw.org has no relationship with these websites and cannot vouch for their safety or credibility. We provide these links for your information, listed in alphabetical order:

AfterSilence.org
After Silence is a non-profit organization, message board and chat room for rape, sexual assault, and sexual abuse survivors. Their mission is to support, empower, validate, and educate survivors, as well as their families and supporters. The core of the organization is a message board and chat room where victims and survivors come together online in a mutually supportive and safe environment.

The Americans Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center
They provide holistic services to Americans abused abroad including case management, danger to safety relocation, legal consultations for mothers seeking divorce and custody, payment of initial legal retainers, housing assistance and funds to help with emergency needs such as issuing American passports.  They provide a “live chat” option during certain times of the day or you can contact them via phone or email.

Broken Spirits
An online community and support group that focuses on aiding both current and past victims of child abuse, sexual abuse, and domestic violence.

i believe you | it’s not your fault
A place where victims of sexual abuse, rape, “date rape,” and their family and supporters can share their experiences and get support.

loveisrespect.org - National Teen Dating Helpline
A national resource that can be accessed by phone or the internet. The Helpline and website offer real-time one-on-one support from trained Peer Advocates. The National Domestic Violence Hotline operates loveisrespect, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline from their call center in Austin, TX.
Peer advocates are trained to offer support, information and advocacy to those involved in dating abuse relationships as well as concerned parents, teachers, clergy, law enforcement, and service providers.

MaleSurvivor
MaleSurvivor provides critical resources to male survivors of sexual trauma and all their partners in recovery by building communities of hope, healing, & support. Services include online discussion forums for male survivors and their partners, online therapist directory, professionally facilitated healing retreats and workshops for survivors,and training for professional across disciplines. 

OnYourMind.net
A safe and anonymous place for teens to get information and support from other teens with a chat room, Monday through Thursday 4:30-9:30 PST.

Pandora’s Project
The largest online community for sexual abuse and domestic violence survivors to chat, find resources and share their stories.  Pandora’s Project provides information, facilitates peer support and offers assistance to male and female survivors of sexual violence and their friends and family.

Teen Chat - For Teens, By Teens
Teen Chat provides a chatroom and information for teens who may be involved in a violent relationship. It also provides help to teens who think a friend may need help. Their chatroom is moderated by trained facilitators, who are teens. The chatroom hours are Monday and Wednesday, 5PM-7PM Pacific Time.  Please check their website for any changes to the schedule.

YesICAN
The Yes ICAN chat room is to be used by individuals who wish to discuss issues around surviving child abuse, parenting and domestic violence. The YesICAN chat room is available to those who need support.  YesICan has recently launched several new groups, including a new Spanish-speaking online support group for survivors of abuse and several English-speaking support groups throughout the week.  YesICAN chats are facilitated by trained facilitators. There are scheduled times for various subjects, including teen survivors, male survivors, female survivors, male survivors, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, incest survivors, significant others, and parenting. Please go to their website for full details and the schedule.