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 have questions, contact our helpline at (919) 967-7273 or contact us at groups@ocrcc.org. We can answer any questions you may have about our groups.

Registration is required to join all groups and workshops. All our groups and workshops are free and confidential. Ready to register? Click here to complete our registration form. 

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.

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 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 Drop-In Support Group meets on Tuesdays 6:00-7:00pm starting on February 20th through March 5th.  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.

Beginning February 22nd, 2024 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Join OCRCC and Ina Cariño for Capturing Kapwa. This six-week workshop support group will help participants tap into their shared experiences by writing through such mediums as poetry and art. 

This event invites cis, trans, and nonbinary Filipino/a/x folds to center their experiences of sexual trauma and mental health in a safe space. 

Contact groups@ocrcc.org to learn more. 

Beginning February 27th, 2024 (8 weeks) from 6pm – 7:30pm

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. 

Beginning February 28th, 2024 from 6:30pm – 7:30pm

This support group provides support for adult survivors of all gender identities and expressions who identify as LGBTQIA+. The first 4 sessions will be virtual & the last 4 sessions will be in-person.

Contact groups@ocrcc.org to learn more. 

March 18th 2024 through April 22nd, 2024 from 6pm-7pm (Virtual)

This group will be an 6-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. 

To begin the registration process click here
If you have questions or would like to learn more about this group, please contact groups@ocrcc.org.

March 19th 2024 through April 30th, 2024 from 6pm-7:30pm (Virtual)

This group will be an 6-week series for all cis, trans women, and non-binary people who are comfortable in a space that centers the experiences of sexual trauma for women. 

To begin the registration process click here
If you have questions or would like to learn more about this group, please contact groups@ocrcc.org.

April 28th 2024 through June 2nd, 2024 from 4pm-6:00pm (Virtual)

Join OCRCC on Sunday April 28th from 4-6 pm for our Circle of Sisters support Group. This virtual support group is open to women, non-binary, and femmes who identify as Black or African American and will be facilitated by those who share this identity. 

Circle of sisters seeks to empower its members and invites them to process in community how sexual violence and historical trauma have impacted their lives in a supportive healing space. 
To register please click this link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3TCYVMX

Current Workshops

Saturday, April 20th from 1pm – 3pm (In-Person).

Join us this Saturday, Saturday, April 20th from 1p – 3p at YouthWorx on Main in Carrboro as our Healing Together Series continues with DIY Boba Tea!
RSVP is encouraged.

For more information and to register, please contact groups@ocrcc.org.

Wednesday, April 24th from 6pm – 8pm (Virtual).

Join us for an empowering and healing event dedicated to reclaiming pleasure and intimacy for sexual assault survivors and their partners. In a safe and supportive space, we’ll explore techniques for reconnecting with your body, navigating consent, and fostering open communication. Whether you’re a survivor or a partner, this event aims to provide tools and insights to help you cultivate fulfilling and consensual relationships.

For more information and to register, please contact groups@ocrcc.org.

Saturday May 11th, Saturday June 1st, &  Saturday June 22nd  (Virtual).

Welcome to the first of Three series surrounding using Kink/BDSM to heal Trauma. In this three part series we’ll be joined by our Facilitator Majic (Performance Artist and Pleasure Advocate) along with Sex Therapist, Bishop, to talk about reframing the conversation around Kink/BDSM into one of healing. This three part series will contain a demonstration around Toy, Rope, and Impact Play for all bodies but specifically for LGBTQIA+ Survivors of Sexual Trauma.

Please use the link here to register or contact our hotline using the graphic info to sign up for the May 11th, June 1st, and June 22nd sessions.

We’re asking all participants to fill out the optional survey that will you in an email once you get your registration confirmation email. For our first session taking place on May 11th, Gaby (owner of Frisky Business,) will be giving us a demonstration on Toy Play for all bodies.

Saturday, March 16th from 1pm – 3pm at the YouthWorx Community Building in Carrboro.

Join us for an afternoon of plant swapping, pot painting, and refreshments at the YouthWorx Community Building located at 117 W. Main Street in Carrboro.

Bring your plants and cuttings to share with others!
Don’t have a plant to swap? No problem! Plants, pots, and paints will be provided.
Saturday, March 16th 1-3 pm 

Contact groups@ocrcc.org to learn more.

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.

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.

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!