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Introduction to Pandora's Project

 

Our Mission

Pandora's Project's mission is to provide information, facilitate peer support and offer assistance to male and female survivors of sexual violence and their friends and family.  It is estimated that at least 1 in 6 individuals will experience rape or sexual abuse in their lifetime. For many, the aftermath of sexual violence is isolating and devastating.

Hippocrates said "Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity."  Some men and women who have been the victim of rape or sexual abuse do not have resources available to them. Pandora’s Project believes that healing is possible, and that every survivor has the right to quality resources. Through our programs, many in an online format, we hope to help end that inequality; we do not believe healing tools should only be available to the fortunate few.

How We Serve Rape & Sexual Abuse Survivors

To meet our mission, Pandora’s Project sponsors the internet’s largest support community for those who have been the victim of sexual violence.  We believe peer support is an important complement to therapy and other traditional methods of healing. Survivors find comfort through commonality, the lessening of shame, positive role-modeling, practical assistance, and a virtual shoulder to lean on – any time they need it.  Available 24 hours a day and free of charge to any survivor who has internet access, the Pandora's Aquarium message board and chat room offer victims of sexual violence a refuge to share experiences, seek advice, and provide support.

The organization also operates a free sexual assault lending library, maintains resource lists for survivors in need of face-to-face support, and organizes retreat weekends for survivors ready to take their healing one step farther.

Pandora’s Project is managed and staffed by more than 50 survivors, all of whom are unpaid volunteers.  Learn more about our leadership here.

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Our Anti-Discrimination Policy: Pandora's Project is committed to providing free or low-cost services to all survivors of sexual violence, regardless of race, gender, color, cultural heritage, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, or source of income.

 

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.
- Margaret Mead