Trauma-informed Groups
We offer a variety of specialist trauma-informed groups. Each group provides support to those who have experienced sexual violence at any time of their life, and are all free to attend.
If you’d like to discuss which group is best for you, please submit a referral form. A member of our team will get in touch with you to provide more information, answer any questions and decide which group will best suit your needs. We can then secure a place for you in an upcoming group when it next becomes available.
Who are your groups for?
RSACC supports all survivors of sexual violence who live, work or study in Darlington and County Durham. Our groups support all survivors, regardless of sex or gender identity. We offer a range of group options, recognising that survivors have different needs. Our groups include:
- Groups for women, inclusive of trans women and non-binary people who feel the space is right for them
- Groups for men, inclusive of trans men and non-binary people who feel the space is right for them
- Single-sex groups, based on sex registered at birth
- Mixed groups for all survivors
We will explore with you which group feels right for you and answer any questions you may have.
Trauma-informed Peer Support (TIPS) Groups
Trauma-informed Support Groups are delivered over 10 weeks and include a mix of peer support and education on topics such as trauma and coping skills. Groups are based around activities, discussion and mutual support, and provide a confidential space to share without fear of judgement. The group is facilitated by our experienced group coordinator and supported by skilled volunteers.
Domestic Abuse Recovery Toolkit
The Domestic Abuse Recovery Toolkit is a 10 week trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy program which helps participants understand the impact that living with domestic abuse can have. The course aims to empower members with lifelong skills, tools and techniques to effectively make healthy relationship choices.
The course covers:
- How your thoughts affect the way you feel
- How to increase confidence and self-esteem
- Understanding power and control in an abusive relationship
- Boundaries and trust: protect ourselves and those we love
The course is designed for people who have left an abusive partner
Sexual Violence Recovery Toolkit
The Sexual Violence Recovery Toolkit is a 10 week evidence based program for survivors of sexual violence. It supports members to be the expert of their own experiences, centering them in their recovery journey.
The course covers:
- An exploration of trauma responses
- Understanding the impact that sexual violence can have on us
- Developing a range of coping strategies we can use to support our healing journey
The course is designed for people who have left an abusive partner.
Mindfulness and Coping Skills Group
Our group offers people who have experienced sexual violence or domestic abuse a safe space to learn about and experience practical coping skills including mindfulness.
Sessions will include:
- Mindfulness
- Grounding techniques
- Guided meditations
- Creative work
This group will not be suitable for those who are currently processing their trauma or experiencing panic attacks, dissociation and so on. This group is ideally suited to people who have accessed counselling or group support previously.
It will be delivered over 4 sessions via zoom each lasting 1 hour. It is a safe and supportive space with no mention of sexual violence or domestic abuse.
Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA)
This 6 week group is specifically for anyone who experienced sexual abuse or rape as a child (under 18). It will include peer support, as well as exploring topics such as trauma responses, feelings of shame or self-blame, building self-esteem and identifying a range of coping skills. Groups are based around activities, discussion and mutual support, and provide a confidential space to share without fear of judgement. The group is facilitated by our experienced group coordinator and supported by skilled volunteers.
Adult Survivors of Sibling Sexual Abuse and Harms
This 6 week group is specifically for anyone who experienced sexual abuse or harm from a sibling. This can include half-siblings, step-siblings, adopted siblings, or other children living in the same family home. It will include peer support, as well as exploring topics such as trauma responses, feelings of shame or self-blame, building self-esteem and identifying a range of coping skills. Groups are based around activities, discussion and mutual support, and provide a confidential space to share without fear of judgement. The group is facilitated by our experienced group coordinator and supported by skilled volunteers.
Meet our Group Co-ordinator, Jemma.
Referrals
If you would like to refer yourself or somebody else for our Support Groups, please do so using the secure online forms below.
If you would like more information on our Support Groups, please email info@rsacc-thecentre.org.uk or call 01325 354119.
We try to answer calls within office hours. If we are unavailable please leave a message on the answer machine and we will get back to you.
Read our FAQs
Take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions section to help with any queries you might have about attending a support group with RSACC.
Testimonials
The training sessions were engaging, very informative and eye opening. The information on the statistics and range of services was very useful to know as they helped understand the scale and difficulties with sexual violence etc.
I am no longer hiding from life and I have learned to say yes and no. I now do things for me!
This group has helped me massively to understand it’s normal to feel this way, that others relate to how I’m feeling and has helped me understand how I feel about my trauma.
I enjoyed meeting others who understand what I have been through. Their support and encouragement to talk and the group exercises to learn to cope were fabulous. I enjoyed hearing the other members coping mechanisms. The most impactful thing I’m taking away from the group is that it was NOT MY FAULT.
It’s made me a happier, stronger, more confident, positive person!
My time here has been so helpful to me. Having time to step back and look at some of the difficult things that have happened in my life and recognise I have strength has been so precious to me. I am so thankful for being able to access such an amazing safe haven! You have given me the opportunity to step back and breathe again. I feel like a stronger person, able to face the world and live again. I am empowered!
Just a quick note to say thank you for listening to me and helping me to rebuild my life. I feel happy and like I am ready to live again. Life is good. I never thought I would feel this good again. Talking has helped me through the darkness and to clear out the weeds in my life. Now my life looks sunnier and I have much to look forward to. I also have real flowers in my garden now. So it shows things can change.
You are not alone
We are here to help you and, no matter how hard it may seem, we will get there together.