Victims of violence can turn to new support group

June 02--Area victims of sexual assault and domestic violence now have groups in Tahlequah to offer support and education.

Help-In-Crisis hosts a sexual assault support group on Mondays at 5 p.m., and a domestic violence education support group on Tuesdays at 5 p.m. Both are held in the office, 205 N. College Ave., and are open to any victim or family members of victims. While most of those at the meetings are women, they are open to all genders.

HIC Volunteer Coordinator Bonnie Walker said both groups have more an educational format, with statistics and information offered, along with the emotional support.

"We're giving them empowerment to help overcome what they've been through," she said.

Walker said that while the groups are not like an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, they do want to keep them intimate so members feel more comfortable. If they get too many people, HIC will consider having more groups.

"You don't have to talk unless you want to. You don't have to share your story," said Walker. "You'll be listening to people present information and then they will be asking for feedback. But as members feel more comfortable, they start to open up."

The first sexual assault support group will meet Monday, June 4. Interested parties should call Sandra Dearborn at HIC to reserve a spot.

The domestic violence education support group has been going on for a few weeks, and it is open to victims in current domestic violence situations, as well as survivors who have left those environments.

New members will have to visit the HIC office before the meeting to fill out forms.

Walker encourages anyone interested in the groups or HIC's services to stop by the office.

"Talk to us one-on-one. Being familiar with the surroundings and people can help. When it's time for group, they won't be as anxious," she said. "I think we're homey here. We're very informal and non-judgmental."

Each week, the domestic violence education support group will go over different topics. Walker said she recently led a group and discussed safety planning. This informed the victims of items they should have in place before they are ready to leave their violent situations -- such as extra clothing and a set of keys, and important documents like birth certificates and court orders.

"A lot of people want information; they're not always ready to leave. When they're ready, we'll supply a place to go," said Walker. "We're concerned for their safety, but we never force them to leave a situation. Our purpose is not to judge, but to give tools and education about what a healthy relationship is and isn't."

___

(c)2018 the Tahlequah Daily Press (Tahlequah, Okla.)

Visit the Tahlequah Daily Press (Tahlequah, Okla.) at www.tahlequahdailypress.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.