Domestic Violence and Trauma Support
Domestic Violence Support Group
Designed to help individuals understand the violence they have witnessed or suffered, the Domestic Violence Support Group helps adults seek ways out of violent situations through sharing their personal stories, using prepared materials, and relying on peer support. This is an open group that individuals often attend anywhere between three to nine months. Topics include: the definition of domestic violence; the warning signs; the cycle of violence; myths, statistics and facts about domestic violence; how domestic violence affects our children; safety planning and support; suggestions for helping; self esteem; and healthy relationships.
Trauma Support Group
This group also addresses issues of violence, but is broader in scope. The Trauma Support Group is for individuals whose experience of violence extends beyond violence at home and violence at the hands of intimate partners. Individuals who have suffered sexual violence as adults or as children and/or who have witnessed violence directed at others are encouraged to join this group.
Trauma Support is a semi-closed group that runs on 10-week cycles. Areas explored include: understanding trauma; turning dysfunctional coping skills into effective coping skills; trauma and memory; understanding triggers; safety and self-care; self care; the trauma antidote: positive connections; how relationships heal; and redefining family and community. Helping individuals understand the impact of trauma and helping them understand that they possess the foundation for healing is the goal of this group. It encourages survivors to tend to the wounds of trauma while continuing to build a healthier and safe life for themselves and their children.
For more information, please contact:
Ruth Rollins at (617) 409-5413 or
rrollins@elizabethstone.org