Sexual Abuse Support Group

Sexual abuse is a relative cultural term used to describe sexual relations and behavior between two or more parties which are considered criminally and/or morally offensive. Different types of sexual abuse involve: Non-consensual, forced physical sexual behavior such as rape, incest or sexual assault, or psychological forms of abuse, such as verbal sexual behavior or...

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Starting a support group

deleted_user
deleted_user
I have been looking for a "face-to-face" group in my area for survivors but can not find one. I am considering starting one of my own. Was wondering if anyone has any advice about groups they've been to or any other helpful info for starting a group.

Thanks!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I haven't started a group before, but I went to an incest support group when I lived in Florida and it was great. I got so much out of it. It was just a bunch of survivors that got together once a week and talked about our issues. The one thing that I would advise is to be aware of the balance between focusing on the problem and focusing on the recovery. There needs to be room for both. People need to be able to talk about anything that they're going through, but you don't want to have a group that is all about wallowing in misery. There needs to be hope and recovery too. If you get a good mix of people, this will happen organically.

Good luck. (((HUG)))
deleted_user
deleted_user
i am trying to do the same thing here and it is an up hill climb for me. I want a proffessional to over see it and I have not been able to find one that is reasonalble or willing to donate there time once a week.
Maureen50
Maureen50
Is there an international group that you could start a chapter in your town? I'll ask my sister, she went to a group in the UK for survivors.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Thanks for the advice - all good things to consider. I have written to survivors of incest anonymous for info so hopefully something will come of that. Still researching other orgs as well.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Definitely ask a psychologist for some advice as well. Most cities will have a sexual abuse and sexual assault society, if you can't find one call your local crisis line or the police non-emergency line for details. Unless your from a very small town there is likely to be one, it's just a matter of finding it which can be trying for sure.

I know a lot of groups use the courage to heal workbook in the group. I would highly recommend that - I have found it very helpful and have recommended it to friends that share the same past with me that I see in person.

By the by, good for you for wanting to be there for others and help them in their survivorhood. You are a wonderful person!
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