The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network

The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network is an extremely valuable tool for survivors of sexual assault of any form. There are links to many different sites, ways to find phone numbers for local counselors, and rape hotline phone numbers. It says national, but it has grown into an international support network! Give them a look. Support them in any way you can!

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) is the nation's largest anti-sexual assault organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE. RAINN also publicizes the hotline's free, confidential services; educates the public about sexual assault; and leads national efforts to improve services to victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice.

Recognizing RAINN's effectiveness, efficiency and professionalism, Worth magazine recently selected RAINN as one of "America's 100 Best Charities" (12/01). With more than 1,000 local affiliates, the National Sexual Assault Hotline has helped more than half a million victims of sexual assault.

1.800.656.HOPE - The National Sexual Assault Hotline

With a national perspective and broad reach, RAINN also serves as a trusted resource for media, policymakers and the public. Through close cooperation with national and local media, public service ads, curriculum programs and one-on-one outreach, RAINN provides vital education about sexual assault prevention, prosecution and recovery to more than 120 million Americans a year.

Our Supporters

RAINN has benefited from the help of dozens of celebrities, including Sarah McLachlan, No Doubt, Destiny's Child, Santana, R.E.M., Natalie Merchant, Jewel, Sheryl Crow, the Dave Matthews Band, U2, Paul Shaffer, Jennifer Aniston, Jennie Garth, and Michael J. Fox.
The hotline number and RAINN's public service ads air nationally on all six of the national broadcast networks and more than one dozen cable networks. More than 1,100 radio stations have also donated airtime to RAINN. This year, RAINN will receive more than $19 million of donated media time to promote the hotline.

RAINN is supported by thousands of individual donors and corporate partners such as ADT Security Services, Atlantic Records, Best Buy, Biore Facial Care Products, Harper's Bazaar, Kelegian White & Reed LLP, Maurice Villency, MCI, Metropolitan Entertainment, The Recording Academy, Sony Music, Steve Madden, Ltd., Ticketmaster, Warner Music Group, and Yahoo.

RAINN receives no government funding. Eighty-eight cents of every dollar raised is spent directly of program services for victims.

RAINN was founded in 1994 by Scott Berkowitz, who continues as the organization's president.

From their website:

Rape, Abuse Incest National Network (RAINN) is the nation's largest anti-sexual assault organization. RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE and carries out programs to prevent sexual assault, help victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice.

One of “America’s 100 Best Charities” (Worth magazine 12/01)

The International Society for the Study of Dissociation

The Society is a nonprofit professional association organized for the purposes of:
information sharing and international networking of clinicians and researchers;

• providing professional and public education;
• promoting research and theory about dissociation; and
• promoting research and training in the identification, treatment, and prevention of dissociative disorders.

"Your source for information on chronic traumatization."

Our mission is "information sharing and international networking of clinicians and researchers; providing professional and public education; promoting research and theory about dissociation; and promoting research and training in the identification, treatment, and prevention of dissociative disorders."

The Executive Council of the ISSD makes all major decisions and sets the direction for the organization. Our Committees work to carry out our mission and to suggest new directions for the future.

Although we are primarily a professionally oriented society, we welcome both professional and lay members.

Education is one of our primary goals. We work to achieve that goal partly through training programs, conferences and the Journal of Trauma and Dissociation. The ISSD has given awards to professionals and lay people who have contributed to the study of dissociation and to the ISSD.

If you do not find what you are looking for here, please let us know.

Your Connection for Professional Growth and Support

Join the International Society for the Study of Dissociation in the search for solutions to dissociative disorders.Is ISSD for you? ISSD Membership Benefits Who can become a member of ISSD Membership Costs Membership Application

The International Society for the Study of Dissociation (ISSD) is the only international nonprofit professional society that promotes research and training in the identification and treatment of dissociative disorders.

ISSD provides a single source for professional and public education and supports international communication and cooperation among professional clinicians and investigators working in the field of dissociation.

To tackle the issues involved in research about and treatment of dissociative disorders, individual commitment and passion are necessary. But they are not enough. We need outstanding, ongoing professional education and information. And we need each other. Together, we can and do make a difference!

Is ISSD for you?
What can you expect as a member of ISSD?

• Participate in presenting and discussing clinical approaches and the latest research in the field of dissociation.
• Stay informed about current professional issues and treatment approaches through conferences, publications, bibliographies, and the Society’s home page on the World Wide Web.
• Expand professional contacts through networking; the membership directory; component societies, chapters, and study groups; and conferences.
• Receive professional recognition through the awards and Fellows programs.
• Most importantly, you will be a contributor to better understanding and treatment of DID.

ISSD Membership Benefits
National and International ConferencesISSD conferences provide up-to-date accounts of the state of the dissociative disorders field and address key legal and ethical issues facing professionals working with dissociation. ISSD conferences are devoted solely to topics relevant to the study and treatment of dissociation. These meetings include introductory and advanced workshops, research presentations, and clinical papers.
Learn from experts and peers and share valuable experiences during formal and informal sessions and activities. Continuing education credits, a bookstore, and printed conference proceedings are also available. Members have access to abstracts from recent conferences in the Atrium.

ISSD NewsThe official ISSD newsletter carries news regarding the Society and the field. The newsletter features an index of recently published literature on dissociative disorders and an editorial column in which experts discuss critical issues in dissociation.
Journal of Trauma and DissociationThe Journal of Trauma and Dissociation will be sent to all full members as part of the membership benefits. The Journal is dedicated to publishing peer-reviewed scientific literature on dissociation, the dissociative disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, psychological trauma and its sequelae, and on aspects of memory associated with psychological trauma and dissociation.

The AtriumA separate portion of the web site for Members Only. Conference abstracts, bibliographies, the online membership directory, recent and past newsletters, testing resources for the clinician, a listing of member web site and many other resources are available online for the member. Treatment GuidelinesISSD has taken the important step of developing Guidelines for Treating Dissociative Disorder in Adults. Developed in 1994 and revised in 1997, the Guidelines present a broad outline of what thus far has seemed to be effective treatment. ISSD is also developing guidelines for treating children with DID.

Component GroupsISSD encourages members to form and participate in national and local component societies, chapters, and study groups. ISSD component groups around the world provide members with a local vehicle for exchanging views and experiences, promoting referral networks, and establishing educational programs.

Membership DirectorySimply the best resource anywhere for professionals working in the field of dissociation. The directory is an invaluable tool for any professional who wishes to form research and clinical contacts and networks.

World Wide Web Site Members and the public can obtain information about the Society, membership benefits, conference information, a bibliography of recent articles and books of interest, as well as treatment guidelines and links to other professional and self-help organizations.

David Caul Memorial FundEstablished in 1998 to honor the memory of Dr. David Caul, a former president of ISSD, the fund supports research in the area of dissociation and awards need-based scholarships to the Society’s educational programs.

Awards ProgramThe ISSD awards program recognizes outstanding achievements in diagnosis, treatment, research, writing, audiovisual media, and distinguished service by individuals or groups in the field of dissociation or dissociative disorders.

Who can become a member of ISSD?
Membership in the International Society for the Study of Dissociation is open to individuals interested in the study of dissociative disorders.

Regular or Full MemberRegular membership is open to professionals primarily involved in the provision of services, research, education, scholarship, writing or public policy in an area related to dissociation.. Members who are mental health or health care providers must be licensed professionals; practicing under the supervision of a licensed professional; qualified within the accepted legal or cultural standards for conducting clinical practice in his or her locale. Members are listed in the directory, receive publications including the ISSD Newsletter and the Journal of Trauma and Dissociation, have access to The Atrium, and may serve on committees, vote, and hold office.

Student MemberStudent membership is open to those enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree or certification in the study of the dissociative phenomenon.

Retired MemberRetired membership is open to ISSD members who have retired from active practice or research, are at least 65 years old, and have paid dues to the society for 10 or more years.

Affiliate MemberThis class of membership is open to any lay person, not eligible for full or student member, interested in the goals and objectives of the Society. Affiliate members receive the Newsletter and the Membership Directory, but are not listed in the directory, may not vote, hold office or serve on task forces or committee, nor do they have access to the Atrium, the members only section of the ISSD web site. Under special circumstances and by invitation, affiliates may be allowed to serve on task forces or committees.

FellowFellow status may be awarded to any member who has made outstanding contributions to the diagnosis, treatment, research, or education in the dissociative disorders field and to the Society.

From http://www.issd.org - also a great place to search for a trauma/did/mpd therapist

MD's or Quacks

I often wonder how some people get their medical licenses. For a week prior to my going into the hospital on 10/22 (inpatient), I was being treated for what they decided was “Cellulitis” with antibiotics. I was not responding to these oral antibiotics, and the swelling in my right leg gained monstrous proportions, not only that – but it had spread up my right side, and included swelling in the right side of my arm, shoulder, and even face.

On 10/22, I was feeling so lousy, I called my “Doctor” to get an emergency appointment to see her. Her response was “I’m too busy, go to the ER if you think it’s that bad.” She did not deliver that message herself, Doctors do not talk to patients on the phone. It came through one of her secretaries by way of “She’s booked, if it’s that bad, she suggests going to the ER.”

I went to the ER. They took me into a room, and within 5 minutes had me signing papers to tell me that I was being admitted. I think that’s the fastest I’ve EVER been admitted to a hospital.

Three days later, the IV antibiotics are finally starting to work. The swelling has gone down quite a bit. They had to use a catheter to get the urinary tract working again. That was a blast and a half for someone who has suffered the kinds of sexual abuse and rapes that I have, let me tell you! They send me home with a week’s supply of Keflex to finish off the rest of the infection and to see my primary care MD for follow-up.

I happened to have had a follow-up appointment the next day with my primary MD for the next day for another problem anyhow, so I just kept that appointment. It totally amazed me that she did not ask nor report about any blood work or urinary tests that were or were not done in the hospital regarding the now “alleged” cellulitis”.

She said “See you in a week.” That was the extent of our visit. She looked at the leg, told me my feet were very dry. Well, yea, I have a problem with dry feet, always have. Whoopie, that’s not news to me. This isn’t what I’m here to see you for Doctor. She orders a “compression stocking” for my leg, tells me that I need to keep my foot up, and sends me on my way.

I end up having to cancel the appointment for the following week for two reasons. One, the compression stocking isn’t in yet, and I want to have it before I see her again, and two, I had a conflicting appointment that I needed to attend.

So, I see her again two weeks later, the leg is STILL badly swollen, I’m not responding to the oral antibiotics at all, the swelling is WORSE than it was when I left the hospital, and not only that, but now it is in both legs, and working its way upwards. Her response? “When would you like to see me again? One week? Two Weeks?” Said rather snottily, as if I needed to do her appointment scheduling for her, and knew what she wanted. I said One week, because this wasn’t getting better, it was getting worse.
One week later, lo, she again – complains about my dry feet.. and still does not order any blood work or urine tests to see if ANYTHING else could be the cause/problem. I then, decide to ask HER for the tests. Who’s the friggin’ doctor here? Her? Or ME?

I had the blood work done, I have a follow-up appointment. It’s too early for the results to be in. I ask her a question. “I want Dr. Maude to look at your leg, and see if he has any other ideas.” Dr. Maude, is semi-retired, and only comes into the office once a week. I was trying to get away from him as my Primary Care Physician, BECAUSE he was semi retired, and I could ONLY see him on ONE day out of the week… I had asked her to re-write my scripts for the month.. and she said no, Dr. Maude would the next day. So basically, she doesn’t want to see me anymore. Guess what? I don’t want to see them anymore either. I’m done with incompetent doctors, who can’t handle a patient who knows a little bit, and just enough to ask questions, and care about what’s happening.

She also tried to tell me that this is going to be how my legs were going to be for the rest of my life, basically because I’m getting older, I’m fat, and I believe she tried to imply that I was lazy. I may be mistaken, but I really don’t think so. She doesn’t think that I follow her rules – of keeping my leg up when it needs to be up – YES it IS up RIGHT NOW. It has been up all along through this long diatribe. It’s aching like hell but it’s still up!

So, with the aid of the NYS Department of Health’s Search page, I went looking for a new General Practitioner, but then, was given a lead from my Therapist. I called, they accept Medicare and Medicaid, so I went, and saw their RPA. What a wonderful woman she is. I’ll be going there from now on, thanks to my Therapist! I spent about 45 minutes giving the RPA a lengthy medical history as best as I could. Signed release papers so they could get information about the current issues, and she even re-wrote my medication prescriptions for me!

I’ve got an appointment on the 24th for an ultrasound of my abdomen which is very tender to poking (surprise!). Armed with the results of the blood and urine tests, and that ultrasound, we’ll go from there. I’m on Augmentin for an antibiotic.. so we’ll see.

Sunshine enjoys sleeping in the middle of my bed, with my teddybear, at all hours of the day, but particularly just after I get up, when the bed is still warm, even if I plan to get back into bed.

I'm in a hole i can't dig out of

It’s 2am and I’m exhausted, but I’m not ready to go to bed. I don’t know why. I have appointments tomorrow. I have to go to the market tomorrow. I have to go and get stuff at stupid wal-mart. I’m not pleased with Wal-mart. I’ve found they are discriminatory, and I did not know that. Not a nice thing to keep hidden, I always thought they were a good company to work for. I suppose I won’t be submitting my application for employment to them anytime soon! (not that I am eligible to work.)

I roam around the internet at night, and play America’s Army. It gives someone inside a great outlet for killing the mother thing. “Lorraine” we’re supposed to call her.. I forget. I also forget to take my frigging medications, even though I have them all sorted out into a weekly minder… well… I haven’t filled out the minder for this week yet.. maybe I’ll get around to doing that tomorrow – if I don’t keep switching out.

Every time I go to take my medications, I find myself far away from my computer room, where my medications are housed. (No, I don’t keep them in the bathroom. If I did, I’d NEVER remember to take them, I’m ALWAYS in the computer room, I’m rarely in the bathroom).

My dad was here this morning. I told him I wanted a computer chair for Christmas. He said I could have his… what do these people NOT get? I don’t WANT their left over furniture. I want MY stuff. His chair has no support. I don’t NEED that. I can’t ask LORRAINE for anything – if I do .. I get screamed at about money issues – even though all their “Money Issues” are now solved. Their camp is sold. This house is paid off, they no longer have the mortgage on this. They no longer pay on their van, nor do they have the upkeep of the camp. But, I know – if I ask for a measly $40.00 item, I’ll get a one hour lecture about how they are not made out of money, and it doesn’t grow on trees.

There really is no light at the end of that tunnel, is there?

The Hole
All is dark
Screams echo vainly
Voices murmer louder
Where is light

Hopeless mindless wandering
Here and there I mumble
Tumble down the path of doom
What sense does this make

Screaming grows louder
Inside my head
Silence greets my pleas

Pitch black
no color no light
can penetrate this hole
they’ve given me.

Pressure mounts
Arrested breathing
Screams resound
Pounding my brain

Blackness my hole
I’ve come for you
Swallow me down
End my pain.

- by Linda Pfeiffer © November 11, 2004