Like OldRolly I live in Oz as well and I would agree that if you can find a good one they are beneficial.

Well, I'm in the U.S. and I didn't know they even existed. I wasn't even able to find a support group for this subject matter. Have you done any online research for one?

twyliah,

Check out Safe Harbors. I don't know if its still around. If it is, I found it helpful. Also try Matt Atkinson; I'm not sure if he does retreats, but Google it just in case.

He wrote Resurrection After Rape which is relevant to other sexual abuse as well; I think it's an important read.

I'd also check with Women's Centers and therapists in and out of your area.

Going to healing retreats was a source of deep healing for me.

Love your attitude of willingness.

xx
SuzA

I found that people I have known that have went through treatment, have moved along in their healing quicker than those that haven't.
SuzA66 always has great information and advice, which comes from a Loving Heart, an Honourable one with Integrity and Compassion.
I had a chance to go to a treatment center decades ago, but at the time it wasn't possible since I just started a new job which I really needed. I do wish though I would have went back then since I'd probably would be further ahead. All My Best to You, Blaine

SuzA66 is a great resource here - never discount her concern or true empathy for the members. I agree a treatment center, like for cancer or such, would be great and you are young, sound bright and seem to have a good positive energy - look into it, maybe start one up! Has to happen with someone? Why not you!!!
Again, SuzA66 is a friend to most here - but she does stand up for herself and will not be bullied - she has gone above and beyond to offer help with no signs of patronizing or sociopathic behavior. I work with such people so I know - she is good people.
All my best
Refuse2quit

Suza66, I found a retreat done by Michael Atkinson. I have missed it this year but I am going to watch the site and sign up for next year's retreat. He wrote a book called, "resurrection after rape," which I have ordered and he has won awards as an advocate for sexual abuse survivors. The retreat looks awesome and has wonderful reviews and testimonies. Thank you so much for mentioning him!

twyliah,

The book Atkinson has written is wonderful and helpful to not only rape survivors but survivors of incest and sexual abuse as well, IMO.

I hope to go to his retreat next year but I think it's different from the retreats I went to in years past. I think it's more of a celebration of surviving--but I could be wrong.

He has a website here called Resurrection After Rape that you may want to log on to and get to know the members there. That way, when you go to the retreat you'll already know some of the members from their posts.

Keep going twyliah because you can do this.

xx
SuzA

I've been on the retreat by Matt Atkinson it is amazing and certainly worth the 3000 mile trip. It's hard to quantify what i do when im there because it's not a therapy retreat. It's a weekend of bonding and healing. There is a ds group called resurrection after rape if you want more info: http://www.dailystrength.org/groups/resurrection-after-rape

Here is the webpage on the retreat including a link to press release: http://www.resurrectionafterrape.org/spiritualretreat.html

There are also retreats that are more therapy focussed and one is held by pandora's aquarium. http://www.pandys.org/ . they also have a moderated message board

A weekend of bonding and healing with other survivors sounds great. I joined the Resurrection after Rape group. I feel like things are clicking and I am moving in the right direction. Thank you again for the information!