The mission of After Silence, a message board, chat room, and support group for rape and sexual abuse survivors

       The mission of After Silence is to support, empower, validate, and educate survivors of rape, sexual abuse and all types of sexual violence by providing a safe, extensive, reliable and easy-to-read website where victims can find the answers and support they need to heal and reclaim their lives.

       AfterSilence.org provides a free and safely moderated online support group, message board and chat room where survivors can connect with one another in real time, share their stories, ask questions and, above all, begin their path towards healing and recovery.

       Survivors of rape, sexual assault, and sexual abuse often feel isolated and may not be ready or able to talk to someone in person. No matter how long ago or how recently the violence occurred, survivors can find help and support within our online community at any time of the day or night, no matter where they live, and in an anonymous and secure environment.

       In addition to relevant information on recovery from rape and sexual abuse and peer to peer support, AfterSilence.org staff responds to email requests for help and provides referrals to local assistance, other agencies and organizations.

Vera funded After Silence in 2003. She lives in New York and is a social worker who specializes in assisting victims of sexual and domestic violence.

       A survivor herself, Vera created a personal website to release her own feelings, however, she didn't expect the strong response the website received and the connections she was able to make with so many people, who had been silent about their trauma.

"People from all over the world were writing me, sharing their stories, asking me questions. I soon started receiving hundreds of emails. It was eye opening and quite shocking; I had no idea just how many people experienced rape and sexual violence. I've lost count of the many, and often underage, girls who have contacted me desperately seeking for a word of advice."

       Unable to answer all the emails she received from other survivors, Vera created a message board to facilitate communication among women and men who had been victimized. Inspired by the memoir, "After Silence: Rape and My Journey Back," Vera decided to name her online community After Silence.

       During the winter of 2003, Vera met and formed a close friendship with Lindy, a survivor of childhood molestation and acquaintance rape. Lindy had also created her own website and a message board to provide help and support after rape and sexual abuse. Vera asked Lindy to join her as an administrator of After Silence and unify their efforts by merging the two message boards together.

       Since its founding, After Silence has blossomed into the largest, most active and supportive online support group for survivors of sexual violence on the internet. Vera and Lindy remain the administrators of AfterSilence.org and they continue to work together to support survivors of rape, sexual assault and sexual abuse, with the help of a dedicated group of survivors and activists who have since joined the After Silence team. You may learn more about our staff members here.

You are not alone and you can heal!

       If you have been a victim of rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse, incest or molestation, you are welcome to join our message board and chat room for support and validation. Use your voice, connect with other survivors, and heal. You are not alone, and you deserve to be heard and supported. Your voice matters.