Peer Support Groups

Consejo's Domestic Violence Program provides peer support groups in Spanish for survivors of both domestic violence and sexual assault. Consejo currently provides a weekly women's support group for adult domestic violence survivors, as well as weekly groups for both adult and adolescent sexual assault survivors. Long recognized as an effective way to assist participants in dealing with the after-effects of trauma, peer support groups are empowering and provide participants with:

• A way to break down barriers of isolation;

• A safe, confidential atmosphere for women or teens to express what is happening in their lives without having to fear the negative consequences of those revelations.

• A naturally empathetic space, free from criticism and prejudice, which facilitates reflexion and introspection. The non-judgmental atmosphere of the group diminishes feelings of guilt, as well as defensive reactions such as justification. Women and teens are free to understand themselves better, identify their feelings, rescue their values and reconstruct their own identities.

• A way of socializing participants' experiences through identification with other women. Peer support strengthens positive female role models, provides a sense of identity as women, and offers a space for identifying and transforming traditional roles and values.

• A place where participants are able to work towards personal growth and change, but where individual choices and rhythms are respected.