Home > Assistance > Support Groups

Adults Molested as Children

This is an educational group for adults who have been sexually abused during childhood. The group meets once a week for 13 sessions and addresses the impact of the trauma, integrates new coping skills, and allows for processing of the abuse experienced through expressive activities.

Ideally, a child who has been sexually abused has the opportunity to tell someone, be protected from further abuse, and begin a healing process promptly. If this does not happen, the child may carry the experience into adulthood. Feelings of confusion, sadness, fear, and anger may continue to affect the adult, causing low self-esteem, guilt, shame, and struggles with trust and intimacy. Relationships with partners, children, and family of origin may be difficult.

A wide range of survivor experiences may include:

• Little or no memory of the abuse
• Full memory of the abuse
• Told no one about the abuse
• Told someone and received a negative response
• Silence, secrecy, and/or isolation have grown heavier over the years

The counseling process can help you to shift your viewpoint and dispel some of the negative messages. Counseling will provide:

• A safe and secure environment to express feelings
• A way to discover personal boundaries and set limits
• Validation and affirmation of feelings

All services are confidential and free of charge.

How to Get Help

Contact our help lines for immediate assistance.