CopShock: Second Edition
Surviving Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

by Allen R. Kates, MFAW, BCECR



 Child Abuse


Child Abuse Prevention Network
Although targeted for professionals, this site has special pages about survivor issues including PTSD.
   Go to:
http://child.cornell.edu.

How to Report Suspected Abuse—Childhelp
The purpose of the organization called Childhelp is to meet the physical, educational, emotional and spiritual needs of abused, neglected at at-risk children. The Child Abuse hotline is staffed 24/7 by professional crisis counselors throughout the U.S. and Canada. Through interpreters, they can respond in 140 languages, and offer crisis intervention, information, literature, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support sources. All calls are anonymous and confidential. The website outlines many more programs including treatment sources.
   Go to: http://www.childhelp.org. Call the National Child Abuse Hotline toll-free at: 800-422-4453. For Childhelp National Head-quarters, write to: 15757 N. 78th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. Phone: (480) 922-8212.

International Child Abuse Network (ICAN)
Online, ICAN defines child maltreatment and provides articles on a variety of related subjects. It offers a chat room, bulletin board, statistics, book references and links.
   Go to:
http://www.yesican.org. Write: International Child Abuse Network, (YesICAN), 7657 Winnetka Avenue, PMB 155, Canoga Park, CA 91306-2677. Call toll-free: 888-224-4226.

National Center for Fathering (NCF)
A resource for men, NCF seeks to strengthen fathering skills. The site provides access to other fathers, a nationwide radio program, research, live seminars, books and tapes.
   Go to:
http://www.fathers.com. Write: NCF, P.O. Box 413888, Kansas City, MO 64141. Call toll-free: 800-593-3237.

Parents Anonymous (PA)
Founded in 1970, Parents Anonymous, Inc., is the oldest and largest child abuse prevention organization in the United States dedicated to strengthening families through mutual support and parent leadership. The organization leads a diverse network of 2,300 PA community-based groups that meet weekly. Co-led by parents and professionally trained facilitators, the groups are free of charge to participants. Parenting tips are provided online as well as a list of Parents Anonymous groups and hotlines in many states and other countries.
   Go to:
http://www.parentsanonymous.org. Write: Parents Anon-ymous, The National Organization, 675 W. Foothill Boulevard, Suite 220, Claremont, CA 91711-3475. Phone: 909-621-6184.

Parents Without Partners (PWP)
With about 200 chapters in the U.S. and Canada, PWP is the largest international organization devoted to the interests of single parents and their children. The website offers parenting links, bulletin boards, pen pals and leadership training. The organization provides educational and family activities, adult social and recreational activities, advocacy, scholarships and conventions.
   Go to: 
http://www.parentswithoutpartners.org. Write: PWP, 1650 S. Dixie Highway, Suite 510, Boca Raton, FL 33432. Call toll-free: 800-637-7974. Phone: 561-391-8833.

Prevent Child Abuse America
Made up of friends, professionals, volunteers, donors and parents, this organization has been foremost in building awareness, providing education and inspiring hope to everyone involved in the effort to prevent the abuse and neglect of our nation’s children. Through state and local chapters and many local programs, they endeavor to strengthen families.
   Go to:
http://www.preventchildabuse.org. Write to: PCA America National Office, 500 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60611. Phone: 312-663-3520.

Stepfamily Foundation (SF)
More than half of all Americans are involved in step relationships. The website provides phone counseling, free articles and resources.
   Go to:
http://www.stepfamily.org. Write: SF, 333 West End Avenue, New York, NY 10023. 24-hour information line: 212-799-7837. Phone: 212-877-3244.