Non-Survivor Members

[Anonymous75]

As far as friends, family and other loved ones who want to join AfterSilence, are they able to go in and offer support to survivors? Or are they constrained to just supporting other friends, family and loved ones of other survivors? It seems like this group shouldn't just be about survivors gathering in a closed group supporting each other. It seems to me like the rest of the world ought to be able to come here and show compassion and support. 

[MeBeMary]

Hi @Anonymous75.

We do have a membership type known as Secondary Survivor. This allows family and friends, or general supporters to survivors to join under a restricted basis, meaning they are allowed access to only certain forums. This allows Survivors to have an area they feel safe and know their privacy is maintained, while allowing the Secondary Survivors still be able to support members in less detailed areas.

Be aware tho, of the below rule found on the AS Board Rules & Posting Rules thread:

2. Secondary survivors are also welcome in this board. However, the majority of forums are only accessible to survivors. Secondary Survivors are required to select their status at the time of registration, and are automatically assigned to the appropriate User Group. If you are a secondary survivor supporting a member of this community, you MUST obtain permission from her or him before joining. Because we are first and foremost a community designed for survivors, survivors may at any time choose to have their supporters removed from the board.

Also below I have attached two links, one describing in more detail about the role of a Secondary Survivor on this site and one on forums they are able to access. I hope this answers your questions.