Kink and Abuse/Assault/Rape Resources

CHICAGO - When abuse occurs, we all agree that it is horrible and should never happen. But it does, and it isn't going to go away.

There are many conversations that can be had about the most effective ways to deal with abuse and how to prevent it, but when we learn of allegations of abuse, first and foremost in our minds should be providing assistance to those in need.

You are not alone.


If you are in an abusive relationship, there are people and resources available to help, both within and outside of our kinky communities.

If you have been the victim of abuse and need help dealing with the abuse and its repercussions.

• Chicago's Rape Crisis Hotline, (888)293-2080 (Kink Friendly Training)
• In the Aftermath, a Guide for Victims in the BDSM Community (PDF)
• List of Chicago Area Rape Crisis Centers
• The National Sexual Assault Hotline (800)656-HOPE (Kink Friendly Training)

If you need safe haven to escape an abusive relationship.

• Contact Jerith and Wilson at info@galleriadomain.org. We have resources to help you. We will keep your information confidential.

If you need an advocate for seeking medical attention.

• Chicago Hospitals with 24Hr On-Site Advocacy (Kink Friendly Training)
• Rape Victim Advocates (Kink Friendly Training)

If you need an advocate for pursuing legal action.

• YWCA Sexual Violence Legal Advocacy (not gender-specific)
• Chicago's Domestic Violence Legal Clinic
• Understanding Chicago's Restraining Order Options
• Center on Halsted's Anti-Violence Resources
• LifeSpan - Help Getting a Protection Order

If you need someone to act as a liaison with service providers who do not have accurate knowledge of kink.

• Contact Jerith and Wilson at info@galleriadomain.org. We have resources to help you. We will keep your information confidential.

If you are looking for counseling.

• Rape Victim Advocates (Kink Friendly Training)
• Community Counseling Centers of Chicago Rape Trauma Services
• KAP: Kink Aware Professionals List, Search by State
• YWCA Sexual and Domestic Violence Support Groups
• Howard Brown's Violence Recovery Project

If you need help with any issues that result or may result in abusive behavior.

• KAP: Kink Aware Professionals List, Search by State
• A Guide to Stop Being Abusive

If you are worried about how being kinky affects your options.

• NCSF's Guide to Dealing with Assault

If you want to learn more about the difference between abuse and kink.

• The Network la Red's Statement on SM vs Abuse
• Leather Leadership Conference SM vs Abuse Policy Statement
• NCSF's Is it Assault Legal Guide (PDF)

If you are in need of assistance, these are just some of the resources available. Others, we are sure, are aware of even more. Please take advantage of those resources, help spread the word about them, support them even if you don't need them at the moment, and create them if they don't exist.

If you are involved with or want to start a group to help, GD2 has space and resources to offer. Please get in touch.

For those who are not in a position to or do not wish to seek formal assistance, please seek out the support you need from family or friends who you know to be loving, caring, understanding and thoughtful. Please take care of yourself.

You are not alone.

And for those who can help, do. Offer a shoulder to cry on, an arm to hold onto, words of encouragement to stand tall. Help people find the resources they need to reach or maintain safety, get involved with a service provider, start a support or discussion group.

When we learn of abuse, before we learn of it, after we learn of it, let's focus our attention on offering substantive support to those in need.

Wilson and Jerith
Directors
Galleria Domain 2 NFP