Support Groups

Hope & Healing offers a variety of support groups to survivors of sexual violence and intimate partner violence. All support groups are free of charge. Participants must be 18 years or older to participate. Support groups offer a non-judgmental, safe, and confidential way for survivors to move forward in their healing process and connect with other survivors who have experienced similar situations. Please read more below about the different types of groups we offer and view the calendar for specific dates support groups are scheduled.

Sexual Assault Survivor Support Groups

This group is offered to individuals who have experienced sexual violence. In this group, you will receive education on sexual violence, trauma, and ways to cope in the aftermath of sexual violence. During group, you will also have the opportunity to receive support from other survivors. This group runs for 6 weeks and each session lasts 1 hour. This group is offered quarterly throughout the year. It is a closed group and participants must complete a phone interview before the group begins.

Intimate Partner Violence Support Group

The IPV support group is for survivors who have experienced intimate partner violence (physical abuse, mental abuse, emotional abuse) during their lifetime. This group is offered on a weekly, rolling basis. In this group, you will discuss the definition of intimate partner violence and receive education on the cycle of violence, as well as power and control dynamics. You will also learn about healthy relationships and participate in activities that promote self-esteem, coping, and building strengths.

Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

This group is specifically created for adults who experienced sexual abuse as a child. This group offers a safe space to explore the impacts of childhood sexual abuse and ways to cope in the aftermath of abuse. Participants in this group will receive education on childhood sexual abuse, as well as support from other group members. This group runs for 6 weeks and each session lasts 1 hour. It is a closed group and participants must complete a phone interview before the group begins.

LGBTQ+ Survivor Support Group

This group is offered to individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ who have experienced intimate partner violence and sexual violence. This group will provide education on sexual violence, intimate partner violence and the intersectionality of these forms of violence with the LGBTQ+ community. Participants will also receive education on the impacts of trauma and methods of coping. Our group facilitators have completed SafeZone Project training, which is a collaboration of the Ohio Statewide LGBTQI Taskforce.

Empowerment Support Group

Empowerment Support Groups are free, educational groups offered to organizations in the community. Empowerment Groups focus on educating vulnerable populations, such as people who are incarcerated, at-risk youth, and those engaged in substance abuse recovery programs. The group provides education on sexual violence, intimate partner violence and ways to access resources. This group runs in a 7 week cycle. If a community organization is interested in Hope & Healing staff facilitating a support group at your organization, please email support@scmcbws.org.

If you are interested in participating in a support group, please contact Hope & Healing by sending an e-mail to support@scmcbws.org expressing your interest in support group, call our business line at 330-374-0740, or fill out our interest form below.