Domestic Violence and Trauma Support
Domestic Violence Support Group
Designed to help women understand the violence they have witnessed or suffered, the Domestic Violence Support Group helps women 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 women 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 women whose experience of violence extends beyond violence at home and violence at the hands of intimate partners. Women who have suffered sexual violence as adults or as children and women 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 women 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) 427-9801 ext. 413 or
rrollins@elizabethstone.org