NEW SUPPORT GROUP FOR SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT

Sexual assault is an issue that touches all of our lives; whether we have experienced it personally or have a friend who has been sexually assaulted. 

WHAT IS SEXUAL ASSAULT? 
Any sexual act that occurs without choice and consent that may include sexual touching, rape and sexual exploitation. 

FACTS ABOUT SEXUAL ASSAULT:
* Physical force and injuries do not need to be present for it to “count” as a sexual assault. In most cases, physical violence is not used, instead, the survivor is threatened or pressured into doing something he or she doesn’t want to do. 

* It is considered sexual assault if the survivor is unable to give consent because s/he is incapacitated due to drugs or alcohol. If a person is intoxicated, they cannot give consent. 

* Most survivors know the person who assaulted them. 

* Healing is possible. 

Dealing with the aftermath of a sexual assault is hard to do alone. The Sexual Assault Survivors’ Support Group (SASS) is a place where sexual assault survivors can regain their power through connection with other survivors. If you have been sexually assaulted, either as an adult or as a child, and would like to connect and heal with the support of other survivors, please contact Counseling and Psychological Services and schedule an intake appointment with Alysha B. Warren at 860.285.2910. The sexual assault does not have to have occurred on Wesleyan’s campus. If you have experienced a sexual assault, we invite you begin your healing process in the company of other survivors. The group will be held on Tuesdays beginning October 2nd from 5:45-7:00pm (location to be announced).  
 
The group will be facilitated by Alysha B. Warren, LPC, Therapist/Sexual Violence Resource Coordinator. Her role in the group is minimal as group topics are dictated by members and their unique experiences.  

Are you ready to begin the healing process? For more information, contact Alysha at 860.685.2910 or awarren@wesleyan.edu.

SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUP FAQ

What is the sexual assault survivors’ support group (SASS)?
The SASS group is a support group for survivors of sexual assault. The group meets weekly on Tuesdays beginning October 2nd - December 4th from 5:45-7:00pm. The group is facilitated by Alysha Warren, LPC, Therapist/Sexual Violence Resource Coordinator. Discussion topics are dictated by members and their unique experiences. 

Who can join the group?
The group is open to students who identify as female who have experienced sexual assault. Men are also survivors of sexual assault. If you are interested in the male survivors’ support group, contact Alysha, 860.685.2910 or awarren@wesleyan.edu. 

How can I participate?
To join the group, schedule an intake appointment with Alysha in Counseling and Psychological Services (860.685.2910). The purpose of the intake appointment is to learn more about you, your experiences and your interest in the group. The deadline for scheduling an intake appointment is Friday, September 28th. 

What happens the first night of the group?
Joining a new group can be both exciting and anxiety provoking. On the first night, the facilitator and members introduce themselves, their goals and hopes for participation in the group and establish guidelines.  Topics of discussion are determined by group members.  

Is information shared in the group confidential?
In order to foster a safe environment, the facilitator requests that information that is shared within the group environment is not shared with people outside of the group. The group will ultimately determine the bounds of confidentiality. 

How safe is it for me to participate in the group?
The group location will only be publicized to members of the group. The facilitator works to create an inclusive, safe environment with the assistance of group members.   Group members will determine consequences, if any, for violation of group confidentiality. 

I have experienced sexual assault, but I do not want to attend a group. Are there other options available?
Individual counseling and consultation sessions are also available to students. Seeking counseling can help you sort out your feelings about the event(s), assist you in making decisions about what you would like to do next and help you begin the healing process. Contact Alysha in CAPS to schedule an appointment, 860.685.2910.