How to Find a Sexual Abuse Support Group

Victims of sexual abuse often benefit from talking with other survivors to help them cope with their emotional scars.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Yellow Pages
• Telephones
• Internet Access
• Computers

1. Look in your phone book in the blue pages (or government services) under Health or Women to see if any hotlines are listed that could help you connect with a local group.
2. Check the yellow pages under Social and Human Services, Health Services, and Women's Services.
3. Ask if the phone company publishes a directory or other reference guide of health services in your area.
4. Call your local information, at 411, or the 800 operator, at [phone], for help locating services in your state.
5. Contact local health centers, crisis centers or mental health centers for a referral to a local group.
6. Check with your therapist or counselor, if you have one, to find out if they hold group sessions for survivors.
7. Contact colleges and universities near your home, since date rape and other incidents of sexual assault are of great concern to students.
8. Check with your church, temple or other religious institution to find out if it offers any type of support.
9. Opt for a group or chat room online if you prefer to talk with others from the comfort of your own home. Find out what exists by doing a keyword search for words such as sexual abuse, survivor, forum and support group.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that you are not alone. Meeting with others who have survived sexual assault will help you deal with the effects and learn how to go on.
• If you can't find any support groups in your area, ask your clergy person or rabbi, or a counseling center, to help you start one.