24-Hour Helplines:  Phone: (919) 967-7273  Text: (919) 967-7273 

Support Groups + Workshops

Our support groups offer survivors the opportunity to support each other, share coping skills, learn from each other, and understand they are not alone.

Support Groups + Workshops​

Our support groups offer survivors the opportunity to support each other, share coping skills, learn from each other, and understand they are not alone.

About Our Support Groups + Workshops

Each support group is led by two trained facilitators who have experience working with survivors of sexual violence. Most groups have 5-12 members, meeting once a week for two hours for 8-10 weeks.  Once they begin, groups are closed to new members. Our support groups are open to people of all genders unless otherwise specified. Facilitators will create outlines depending on the group’s wants and needs. These range from discussion topics, to art activities, to writing prompts, and more. In group, you will never be required to talk or share. We believe it is of the utmost importance to take care of yourself and your needs. During the first group, members will create a set of “Guiding Principles” or “Group Expectations” to help create a safe space for everyone.

Please note that all support groups require a phone screening and in-person meeting with the coordinator and facilitators.

Our workshops provide an opportunity for survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones to learn and practice skills for self-care, empowerment, and positive coping. Workshops can be a single session or series and are lead by experts or professionals for each topic.

If you are interested in joining a group or a workshop, you can call our helpline at (919) 967-7273 or contact us at groups@ocrcc.org. We can answer any questions you may have about our groups and how to sign up. Registration is required to join all groups and workshops. All our groups and workshops are free and confidential.

OCRCC holds events in accessible buildings and is committed to disability access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation. We also offer childcare on request. To request accommodation or childcare, contact us at least 7 days in advance at (919) 967-7273 or groups@ocrcc.org.

How to Get Started

If you are interested in joining a support group, please call (919) 967-7273 or reach out to Groups@ocrcc.org to begin the screening process. Our Support Group Coordinator will reach out to set up an initial phone screening process; which is in place to ensure we are the right fit for your group needs. You will not be required to discuss or describe any experiences or trauma during the initial phone screening. It will cover basic information regarding your experience with groups, your personal support system, and how you heard about OCRCC support groups.

After your phone screening, if our services suit your needs, the Support Group Coordinator will reach out to schedule an in-person screening with the group facilitators. The in-person screening will not include any questions about your trauma history. The questions will focus on your learning style, your goals for group, and any accommodations you may need. If support groups are not right for you, our Support Group Coordinator will work with you to find services that suit your needs.

Due to the importance of creating a positive group dynamic, it is asked that group members miss as few groups as possible.

Upcoming Support Groups + Workshops

Our Support Groups are currently available virtually via Zoom.

OCRCC Support Groups Update
 
Our support groups is currently going through a few changes and will resume in August. If you are interested in joining a future support group please complete the form here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9YLST8W
 
We have also provided a list of additional resources for you to check out in the mean time.

Beginning in March 2022

2-hour sessions every week for 8 weeks. This virtual support group provides support for adult survivors of all gender identities and expressions who identify as LGBTQIA+.

Contact groups@ocrcc.org to learn more. 

Beginning July 21st 2022 (6 weeks)

OCRCC will offer a free, confidential, and virtual 6-week group for teens (aged 13+) who have experienced sexual harm.  Trained staff facilitators will hold a space for activities, building coping skills, community building, and peer support.  This is a space for teenagers who are feeling isolated from their experience, want to learn about common coping strategies after SA and build new skills, or who want to have a space with people their age to talk about what’s going on in their lives.  Participation in this group requires parental consent, however, the group content/discussions remain confidential. This group is open to teens of any gender identity and sexual orientation, and is queer inclusive! 

 

The Parent mini-series will run alongside the Teen group for week 1, week 4, and week 6.  This is a space for parents to talk about vicarious trauma, ways to support your teen, how to talk about sexual harm, and receive peer support from other parents who are having a similar experience.  This is a group open to ANY non-offending parent, whether or not your child is participating in the teen group.

Contact groups@ocrcc.org to learn more.

Our Women’s Support Group meets on Tuesdays 6:30-7:30pm on a virtual Zoom meeting.  The theme of the group changes each week and month to focus on varying topics and skills.  To sign up, you can fill out this questionnaire and our support group coordinator will be in touch with you regarding registration.   

Questionnaire link HERE

Contact groups@ocrcc.org to learn more.

September 6th 2022 through October 25th 2022 (6pm-7:30pm)

This group will be an 8-week series for men who have experienced sexual violence first or secondhand. All men are welcome to join, cis and trans, as well as nonbinary people who are comfortable centering the experience of male survivorship. Topics for this group include stigma/shame, coping skills, resiliency building, masculinity,  societal views of gender roles, and others decided together as a group. 

Contact groups@ocrcc.org to learn more. 

Beginning August 17th, 2022 (8 weeks)

2-hour sessions every week for 8 weeks. This group is for adults who have experienced childhood sexual abuse.  This support group is open to any gender and will cover topics like coping skills, resiliency, shame, and other topics decided together as the group.

Contact groups@ocrcc.org to learn more. 

Current Workshops

Wednesday, February 9th 5pm – 6:30pm | Zoom
Join OCRCC in welcoming Dani Leah Strauss, LCSWA to host this incredible workshop where we will begin to discuss the journey of coming back to sex and intimacy and self-support after harm. Topics to be explored include:

*How trauma teaches us to turn off our senses to stay safe – the process of turning the lights back on, slowly, with care 

*Spectrum of pleasure – exploring practices outside of sex that offer us chances to feel good 

*Comparison & rules as self-injury – how we make peace with the diversity of sexual experiences, how we understand and support our new bodies/brains after trauma 

*Support as a lifeline – where to go for help, the importance of talking to survivors and people with shared experiences, books/scholars that can keep us company 

*Communication – developing a trauma-informed language with ourselves and our partners 

*Bite-size embodiment practices – ways to begin feeling again 

To register for this virtual workshop, please email groups@ocrcc.org or call the office at 919-968-4647.

Examples of Support Groups and Workshops We Have Offered

  • Rape and sexual assault survivors
  • Survivors of child sexual abuse of incest
  • Sexual assault support group for men
  • LGBTQ survivors of sexual violence
  • Workshops and support groups for family members, partners, and friends of survivors
  • Workshops on navigating the legal system, meditation, yoga, arts and crafts, horticulture, and many more

Sign up for our Support Groups Newsletter!