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A.A.R.D.V.A.R.C.
An Abuse, Rape, and Domestic Violence Aid and Resource Collection

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SEXUAL VICTIMIZATION

The OCD Workbook

Obsessive Compulsive Disorders

Body Image
Betrayal Issues

Tormenting Thoughts and Secret Rituals : The Hidden Epidemic of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

The Sky Is Falling: Understanding and Coping With Phobias, Panic, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders

OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE BEHAVIORS

Many survivors report feelings of not being clean, even after repeated showering or bathing. Sometimes victims report compulsive behaviors where they feel like they have "the willies" or are "grossed out" to the point where they feel they must bathe immediately and for extended periods of time.

Obsessive behaviors include things like checking locks - not just before bed, but over and over...and over and over. Some victims go so far as to destroy any clothing in similar style or color to what they were wearing while assaulted. In almost all cases, these behaviors are a victim's attempt to be in control in the present of what they feel they weren't in control over in the past.

The idea behind this thinking is: "I can be more vigilent" or "I can change what attracted the attacker so it won't happen again". The downside of this thinking is that while it's intent is to re-gain control, internally, this can be devistating because the victim internalizes the blame for the attack, instead of putting the blame on the attacker where it belongs. The thinking can turn to: "If I have the ability to prevent it in the future, then maybe I could have prevented what happened in the past."

Thus victims can feel safer and more successful in dealing with the incident by using obsessive behaviors, but in reality, this results in continued deepening of the emotional wounds and thus it keeps the cycle going. Often professional counseling and intervention are essential to digging out of this destructive cycle.

Both the internal dialog and the behaviors themselves can be even more devistating to a victim than the actual attack. Sometimes these behaviors last for years, causing long term damage to relationships, self-image and the ability to hold down a job, all very important elements in a victim's support network and life of normalcy.

ARTICLES ON OBSESSIVE BEHAVIORS

Guilt Beyond a Reasonable Doubt - Addressing Responsibily Oriented OC Behaviors

The understanding and treatment of the obsessional doubt related to sexual orientation and relationship substantiation

Merck Manual: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

ONLINE SUPPORT & FORUMS

OCD Message Board

OCD Online.

This web site is devoted exclusively to promoting a greater understanding of the treatment and mental processes of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The creator of this site, Dr Steven Phillipson, recognizes that Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is still minimally understood by the vast majority of mental health professionals. Although the most commonly known forms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (contamination and checking) have received the greatest amount of media and research attention, lesser known forms of OCD (i.e. the purely obsessional type and responsibility OC) make up a very large proportion of the clinical population. The articles presented here represent state of the art conceptual understanding and treatment approaches developed for mainstream and lesser studied forms of OCD.

Obsessive Compulsive Foundation.

Founded by a group of people with OCD in 1986, the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) is an international not-for-profit organization made up of people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and related disorders, as well as their families, friends, professionals and others. They have a great treatment provider and support group finder.

Mental Health & Behavior Library

The Stanford health Library offers a wide range of resources, including online videos and ebooks, and information on health conditions, diagnosis criteria, and treatment options for a wide variety of physical and mental health issues.

The National Mental Health Association.

Mental Health America is dedicated to promoting mental health, preventing mental and substance use conditions and achieving victory over mental illnesses and addictions through advocacy, education, research and service.

Anxiety Disorders Association of America.

The Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) is the leader in advocacy, education, training, and research for anxiety and stress-related disorders. Among other things, ADAA promotes professional and public awareness of anxiety and related disorders and their impact on people's lives, encourages the advancement of scientific knowledge about causes and treatment of anxiety and related disorders, links people who need treatment with the health care professionals who provide it, helps people find appropriate treatment and develop self-help skills, and works to reduce the stigma surrounding anxiety and related disorders.