Dear friends, although this board will soon be closed to new posts, there are many other excellent message boards throughout iVillage that touch on the same topic in one fashion or another. I've done a little research into some of those options, and hope that each of you can continue to find support, community and caring in a safe environment - like what this board has offered so deeply.
Just in case the links I’ve supplied don’t work once the board converts to “Read Only,” I’ve drawn a road-map of where to find the link to each board:
Exploring Abuse (on iVillage.co.uk) contains a separate folder for those who have survived past or childhood abuse. Their board description: "This board is a support board for anyone who has experienced abuse - physical, sexual, emotional and verbal. We ask that people who post here do so with sensitivity and care."
http://messageboards.ivillage.co.uk/iv-ukrlabuse?redirCnt=1
(Or go to the iVillage main page, scroll to the bottom, click on the link for iVillage UK, click on the link for "message boards," scroll down to "Support Groups," and you'll find the link to the Exploring Abuse board.)
Dealing With Domestic Abuse - although this board targets those who are currently living in abusive situations, I have found these women and men often share similar childhood experiences that involved abuse or childhood trauma. They are very active and supportive, sensitive to the need for a safe haven and confidentiality, and very well educated about links and resources to help those surviving abuse. Their description: "Verbal and/or physical abuse touches the lives of many families worldwide, but it often goes undetected. Even when recognized, the process of dealing with domestic abuse in your life or the life of someone you love can be difficult to navigate. This is your place for support and helpful information.”
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-rldomesting
(Located on the Relationships Channel, message boards, scroll down to "Domestic Abuse," and you'll find a link to "Recognizing and Dealing With Domestic Abuse.)
Toxic Relationships - "Are you entangled in a difficult relationship that repeatedly hurts, frustrates or disappoints you? Whether you're dealing with a friend, family member or significant other, join us for support as we work to free ourselves from the effects of toxic relationships. Learn to reclaim your dignity and self-respect and look for ways to increase healthy, positive interactions in all of your relationships:"
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-rltoxicrelat
(Located on the Relationships Channel, message boards, scroll down to either "Relationship Problems" or "Family & Friends," and you'll find the link to Toxic Relationships.)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – “After a traumatic experience, it can be difficult to just "get on with your life." Talk to others who understand the anxiety, depression, anger and flashbacks. Begin your personal road to healing.”
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhptsd
(Located on the Health Channel, message boards, scroll down to “Psychology,” and you’ll find the link to the PTSD board.)
Sexual Abuse Healing – “Survivors of incest, rape and other forms of sexual abuse often feel alone. The community is here to listen and support you as you work through the issues raised by the trauma you experienced and deal with the aftereffects.”
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhsexabuse
(Located on the Health Channel, message boards, scroll down to “Psychology,” and you’ll find the link to the Sexual Abuse Healing board.)
Parents Recovering From Childhood Abuse - We learn to parent from our own parents. But as victims of parental or familial abuse, what are the boundaries of appropriate parenting? Join other parents in recovery for support and encouragement as you continue to heal.
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-pschildhdabu
(Located on the Parent Soup Channel, message boards, scroll down to “Facing Challenges,” and you’ll find the link to this board.)
If anyone locates links to other boards that I didn’t find, please post them here for our future readers to access.
Love 
