Support, help, survivor stories, message board and chat room for rape and sexual abuse victims
updated 1/9/08
 
Check out our sister site, the Pandora's Aquarium message board, chat room, and online support group for rape, sexual assault, and sexual abuse victims and survivors. 
It is a thriving community of friendship and support. 
 
I added links to the 20/20 interview featuring me and Tori Amos to youtube.  Check it out at
Pretty Good Year.

" "
-Tori Amos
 

Reload this page to see another random Tori-quote above.

 
Welcome to Barbados is a Tori Amos inspired site for rape and sexual abuse survivors. My name is Shannon and if you want to read a little about me, go here.

This site is a place where rape & sexual abuse survivors can join together in healing and share their survivor stories. Here you can find other survivors who have been influenced by Tori Amos. This page is dedicated to victims of any rape or sexual abuse: stranger rape, gang rape, acquaintance rape, date rape, same sex rape or abuse, ritual abuse, incest, molestation, harassment. You are all welcome here. We will get there together. Supporters of survivors are also welcome. You can also find help at Pandora's Aquarium, an online support group, message board, and chat room for healing and recovery after rape and sexual abuse.

Many people have asked about the title of this site. The image of Barbados comes from a song by Tori Amos called Me and a Gun, where she sings about her rape, surviving, and healing ("but I haven't seen barbados so I must get out of this") I created this site with the hope that everyone can find courage in something so simple. The theme is inspired by Tori as well. She has given so many people the strength to fight back.

If you have just been raped and are looking for help, please go here for suggestions.

You are probably here because you are a sexual assault or abuse survivor. I commend you for coming here. It's hard to face reality sometimes, and the fact that you are here means you are wanting to heal. Sometimes all we need is to know someone else feels what we feel, and that's what this is for.

It wasn't your fault.
It doesn't matter what you did or said or wore. It was not you who acted inappropriately.

I know how hard it can be to realize that, but
always remember how important you are.

You are not alone. There are people who are willing to help. It's okay to feel depressed, scared and angry.

Just don't give up. Don't give your attacker or abuser the satisfaction.

If you are not a sexual assault or abuse survivor, please remember this quote I once read: "If you have come to help me, please leave. However, if you have come because your liberation is tied to my own, then let's work together." The problem of rape is huge, but not unsurmountable; however, survivors can't fight alone. Please join us in learning and fighting, but don't offer us condescending advice or pity. Your support, however, is very welcome, and I am glad you are here to learn more.

If you need help now, call 1-800-656-HOPE.This is RAINN's (the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network) toll-free number. RAINN, co-founded by Tori Amos, will put you in contact with a crisis center near you, for counseling and referrals. If you need to talk to someone who will help you in your quest for healing, please call. They will have no record of who you are or your phone number; it is completely anonymous. Visit RAINN's homepage at http://www.rainn.org. Want to link to the RAINN webpage or advertise the crisis line on your site? Click here to view graphics to use.

found your writing on my wall...
please sign my guestbook
view my guestbook

I would appreciate a link to this page. You can find banners and buttons here.

Here. In My Head
My rape survivor story.

Circles and Circles
Heidi's survivor story.

Silent All These Years
Courageous rape and sexual abuse survivor survivors.

Scream in Cathedrals
Poetry by rape & sexual abuse survivors

Stand Where I Stand
The basics. Definitions, facts, myths.

Pandora's Aquarium
Rape and sexual abuse survivor message board, chat room, and online support.

Almost Rosey
Rape and sexual abuse articles and essays

Links to resources to help
with the aftermath of sexual violence.

Tear in your Hand
Suggestions for helping a
loved one deal with sexual assault or abuse.

Time To Tell the World
A special section for male rape & abuse survivors.

Precious Things
Our suggestions for feeling better.

The Light in the Dark
Our favorite quotations and poetry.

Feel the Word
Book suggestions.

Pretty Good Year
This site was featured on 20/20 on Feb. 15, 1999. Read my account of it, and how I found the courage to share with the world.

Past the Mission
The inspiration of Tori's music.

Diagnosed as Sound
Lyrics to Tori's songs (under construction).

Spring Haze
Frequently asked questions.

Little Earthquakes
A small collection of excellent links.

Wrapped in Your Papoose
Awards and webrings.

Please help survivors of rape and sexual assault by supporting Pandora's Aquarium Inc.
Use Goodsearch or buy from Amazon.com




  

Pandora's Aquarium, an online support group, message board, and chat room for rape and sexual abuse survivors

 
 
contact me: shannon658 @ yahoo.com
Please note that I monitor this email but you can reach me more readily at the Pandora's Aquarium discussion forum
where I join with other survivors healing from rape and sexual abuse every day.

Note:
This page is my creation. Graphics were either made by me, or used with permission where noted. The theme ("a tori amos inspired site for rape and sexual abuse survivors") is also my original idea. Please do not copy, in any form, any portion of our site without permission. 

Disclaimer: Welcome to Barbados is not a substitute for professional help. Though I am trained in peer counseling and domestic violence advocacy, I am not a trained mental health professional; I am a fellow survivor. I urge you to use this resource to find support, resources, and advice. However, if you are in a crisis situation, call 911, contact a friend, therapist, or call RAINN, 1-800-656-HOPE.