The S.A.F.E. program is a registered non-profit organization that started in London. It was developed to meet the needs of self-abusive men and women whose prior experience with the mental health system left them increasingly dysfunctional and resistant. We also branched out to include a chapter in Toronto and Oshawa. I formed the organization after finding help to stop my self abusive behaviour. Along with a psychotherapist, we decided to work with others in similar situations.
Many people have difficulty understanding self abuse.
Imagine an experience so painful, extreme measures had to be taken to avoid its recollection. Sadly, many who suffer such torments turn to horrible self abusive solutions, not to end their lives, but in some cases, to focus their pain on the present. Self abuse is most succinctly described as a pathological attempt to relieve stress. It can include cutting, burning, hitting self, and non lethal drug overdoses. The syndrome is often found in association with other self destructive behaviours such as eating disorders, drug and alcohol abuse and abuse of prescriptions drugs.