Although Self-Mutilation has been around, in one form or another, since the time of Jesus Christ, it has not been looked at in depth until the last 30 years. Until then, self-injurious behaviors had been categorized as a means of "purification" (in a religious sense) or possible possession. It is now understood more as a characteristic one unconsciously uses as a "healing" device.
Below are a variety of websites that pertain to this unique behavior. I felt because such a large number of people who self-mutilate have a history of abuse, especially childhood sexual abuse, sites concerning this would be helpful, along with some sites examining Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
http://www.oocities.org/bnl_jgk/mainpage.html
Self-Mutilation Silent Screams
This is an amazing site for both cutters and non-cutters. The pages are all very
informative and help a lot in diminishing the stereotypes often found with
self-mutilation and education people of the truth. Some examples are "the Distortions
Within", which discusses possible causes of SM, reasons why
people do it (punishment, to cope, expression), and to distinguish between
self-mutilation and suicide. The "Body and Mind" page looks at the
reasons why cutters keep going back such as the Chemical Purpose, Physical
Reaction, Mental Reaction, and the Addiction. I liked this page and found it
helpful not only because of all the information, but because it truly makes the
disorder "real", not just something in people's heads, and has
documented proof of its severity and resistance to treatment. It also gives very
helpful types when working towards recovery.
http://www.siari.co.uk/
Self Injury and Related Issues (SIARI)
This page is a "one-stop shopper" for many areas concerning sexual
assault and the long term effects of it, including eating disorders,
self-injury, healing through art, how to take care of your wounds, etc.
http://www.palace.net/~llama/psych/injury.html
This is a very informative website, starting by defining the what, why, who,
cause, and diagnosis of self-mutilation. It then goes on to discuss therapy,
self-help tips, living with SM, and a section for family and friends. I believe
one of the best features of this site is all the interactive pages and resource
links it contains. It has a BUS list, a web board, email plus a self-assessment,
questionnaire, and survey page.
http://www.oocities.org/RodeoDrive/Plaza/6967/marlink.html
This website is an excellent resource for finding more links to sites pertaining
not only to self-mutilation but also child sexual abuse and incest and rape. My
favorite component of this site is the enormous list of testimonies from
individuals who suffer from self-mutilation - one of the greatest supports for a
survivor is hearing others stories and how they have overcome this disorder (or
how they continue to work on it).
http://www.oocities.org/Area51/Hollow/2776/
"THE CUTTING WORLD"
This website was created by the founder of the "webring" - this was
created to provide support and answers for those who self-mutilate
http://www.selfinjury.com/
S.A.F.E. - Self Abuse Finally Ends
This website was created by the co-authors of the self-help book, Bodily Harm.
This website contains info on the signs and symptoms of self-mutilation, when it
is necessary to get treatment, and what types of treatment are available.
S.A.F.E. runs one of the only self-mutilation in-patient programs in the
country. It is called Lindon Oaks at Edward Hospital in Naperville, IL.
http://www.angelfire.com/or/kharreshome/
Kharre's Home
This website is a member of the body's under siege webring. It provides a
personal perspective on what is helpful and what is not. My favorite component
of this site is the "Friends and Family" page, which provides lots of
helpful advice to those who are not cutters but want support those who are (ex:
What Not to Say and Why, Positive Communication).
http://vinland.org/scamp/institute/dsh.html
"Cutters"
this website gives personal insight on the act of self-mutilation by three
individuals named "Razor", "Scar" and "Leap". This
people tell their stories, their experiences with hospitalizations, and through
research and experience, what they find to be the best treatments. My favorite
is the huge list (at least for this subject) of in- and out-patient resources
for cutters.
http://www.areti.net/tigger/self.htm
"Tigger's Self Harm Page" (personal)
Excellent site - immediately separates visitors from cutters and noncutters so
getting the information needed. My favorite aspect of this site is the tips and
details provided concerning receiving treatment for self-inflicted injuries,
your rights as a client, and demands you as an individual should make (ex: why
you need to insist on adequate anesthesia.
http://www.oocities.org/HotSprings/6446/index.html
"Lori's Page"
This website is more relaxed than manner others found. It contains information
on self-injury, links to other sites pertaining to this topic, as well as links
to sexual abuse sites. My favorite part of this site is the page containing
games and puzzles to keep one busy instead of cutting. This site is also a
member of the "Bodies Under Siege" webring.
http://members.aol.com/marstrong/redscream/
Marilee Strong, author of the book "A Bright Red Scream" created this
website. It gives a professional look at self-injury along with information on
her book. I did not find this extremely helpful in my research on this topic,
mostly because I read her book and everything on the website I had already read.
But for others that have not read her book, this site may be more like a brief
overview of it and actually quite informative
http://207.198.124.134/
This is an incredible site with loads of information on self-mutilation. It was
written by a 16 year old girl who has suffered from self-mutilation for the past
two years. Although she is young, her writing and experiences in life go far
beyond her chronological age. Much of the information provided on this site
correlates directly with many of the professional resources found within a
literature review I conducted.
http://www.prevent-abuse-now.com/
"Pandora's Box - The Secrecy of Child Sexual Abuse"
This website contains excellent information concerning the sex offender laws,
prevention measures, general information (conferences, research, etc.), a
section specifically for victims, and miscellaneous. I found this to be
especially helpful when looking for information related to government and the
laws - a very factual website with tons of resources.
http://www.brokenspirits.com/information/forms_of_abuse.asp
This site focuses on survivors of child abuse, sexual abuse, and domestic
violence who are now dealing with the long-term effects of this trauma they
thought to be in the past. I like this site because it focuses on the different
forms of trauma that can lead to this disorder, in which self-mutilation is
commonly found. My favorite part of this website is the state-by-state
information on shelters, hotlines, and organizations - this is a very helpful
tool.
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/publications/infores/student/postram.htm
excellent article on rape related-post traumatic stress disorder.
http://www.survivorsvoice.com/
"The Survivors' Voice" - contains info on legislative campaigns
working to send violence against children, especially sexual violence and child
pornography. Great tips and advice on how to get involved and help fight the
fight.
Want to read my research paper on Self-Mutilation? (it still needs some revising, but at least has some useful information)
How about it's Annotated Bibliography?
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Page last updated 4/23/02