12 Steps Programs: Rape Victim Help

The following is a list of 12 Steps groups or organizations (arranged in alphabetical order) based on the 12 Steps principles where you can obtain further information and support. While most do not deal specifically with the topic of abuse, many times, secondary problems such as alcohol or drug abuse can develop as a result of being abused and these programs can prove helpful in those specific areas. Scars can run deep from past child sexual abuse and adult relationships can be affected in many ways.

The information is accurate as of the time of publication, but resources change over time and this does not represent a complete list of all that may be available. Many churches, for example, offer resources that may not be publicly known. The inclusion of an organization on this list does not imply an endorsement, but merely a resource.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

A fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.

A.A. World Services, Inc., 11th Floor
475 Riverside Drive at West 120th St.
New York, NY 10115
212-870-3400
www.aa.org

Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc.

For over 55 years, Al-Anon (which includes Alateen for younger members) has been offering strength and hope for friends and families of problem drinkers. It is estimated that each alcoholic affects the lives of at least four other people… alcoholism is truly a family disease. No matter what relationship you have with an alcoholic, whether they are still drinking or not, all who have been affected by someone else’s drinking can find solutions that lead to serenity in the Al-Anon/Alateen fellowship.

1600 Corporate Landing Parkway
Virginia Beach, VA 23454-5617
757- 563-1600
www.al-anon.alateen.org

Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

A nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. “We … meet regularly to help each other stay clean. … We are not interested in what or how much you used … but only in what you want to do about your problem and how we can help.”

PO Box 9999
Van Nuys, California 91409 USA
818-773-9999
www.na.org

Overeaters Anonymous, Inc. (OA)

Offers a program of recovery from compulsive eating using the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of OA. Worldwide meetings and other tools provide a fellowship of experience, strength and hope where members respect one another’s anonymity. OA charges no dues or fees; it is self-supporting through member contributions. OA is not just about weight loss, gain or maintenance; or obesity or diets. It addresses physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. It is not a religious organization and does not promote any particular diet. If you want to stop your compulsive overeating, welcome to Overeaters Anonymous.

PO Box 44020
Rio Rancho, NM 87174-4020
505-891-2664
www.oa.org

Survivors of Incest Anonymous (SIA)

A spiritual, self-help group of women and men, 18 years or older, who are guided by a set of 12 Suggested Steps and 12 Traditions as borrowed from AA, along with some slogans and the Serenity Prayer. There are no dues or fees. Everything that is said here, in the group meeting or member to member, must be held in strict confidence. We do not have any professional therapist working in our group. SIA is not a replacement for therapy or any other professional service when needed. The only requirement for membership is that you are a victim of child sexual abuse, and you want to recover.

World Service Office
PO Box 190
Benson, MD  21018-9998
410-893-3322
www.siawso.org