HUGS is a community of support, sharing with other abuse survivors, and coming together to encourage each other on our healing journey.  We are not therapists, but unfortunately, we have experience and find comfort in being with others that understand.  We can learn, help, and be together on what is sometimes a lonesome path.
Below are some guidelines to make this a comfortable and helpful community for all.~

Your use of the message boards and chat room will constitute your agreement to comply with these rules.~

1~The most important goal is to RESPECT one another. No "flaming" or personal attacks. 
2~Everyone of all nationalities and religious beliefs are welcomed, but please avoid overly preaching, and please be tolerant and respectful of what is important to others.
3~Please avoid offensive language on the message boards and chat, we try to use s**t instead, and we know what it means .
4~You are responsible for ensuring material you post does not infringe on the rights of others, copyright laws, and that attachments are safe for the use of other members.  If you are uncertain of copyright laws, ask on the general board, and I am quite sure that someone can answer your questions.
5~If you are posting something you think might be offensive to others or trigger their emotions, please post a warning *******"May Trigger" before you write your post. (We  also have a separate "May Trigger Board" to put your post on.)
6~No Spamming .....Putting links on the board for profit, junk mail, or any material that is libelous, abusive, or invades anyone's privacy.
7~Sharing of suicide thoughts are not prohibited on the message board, but the hosts have a responsibility to the group as a whole, and you will be encouraged to seek professional help.  None of the hosts are professionals, and anyone who is in a bad spot will possibly be asked to talk privately via messenger with someone else. By delaying the help you need, it can be harmful to yourself and also upset the other members.
8~It is expected that all members of HUGS also abide by our Communities Code of Conduct, you viewed when you joined.
9~ Please use EXTREME caution protecting your identity, and don't give out your address or phone number to anyone without making sure it is safe.
10~We also have picture albums to share our lives and fun things with others.  These are considered confidential.  Pictures and graphics are not to be copied and used without the permission of the owner.  We have many that are labeled snaggable and are free to use.
11~ Graphics that are used in your posts, other than personal signatures and pictures, will be considered free to use unless you indicate that it is not snaggable, so please consider this when you are using graphics.
12~  We request that you do refrain from using the color red on the boards as well as not using capital letters as these can have a triggering effect on members.  If you are using the color red (holiday board) simply put a note in your subject line so others are aware of it.  Doing the same with the usage of capital letters (ie Anger board) will help to keep the rest of our members safe.
13~  We are asking that ALL members sign in once a month on the sign in thread for that month so that we can monitor how everyone is doing.  If you are unable to talk, an emoticon will do.  If we do not hear from you for three consecutive months, you will be emailed and removed from the group.  If you are planning to be away, simply email or post something on the boards, so we don't worry about you.  Anyone who has had their membership cancelled is more than welcome to reapply.
14~ We have various boards to suit each of our members needs. Please try to be helpful in placing your posts on the appropriate boards. If the staff deem it necessary to move a post, you will find a thread on the general board informing you of where your post went.
15~The Managers of HUGS  may modify these rules at any time and can be reached at the e-mails on the HUGS home page~