It Won't Happen to Me:
Substance Abuse-Related Violence Against Women for Anyone Concerned About The Issues

Supplements

Support Groups

Support groups help women because most have become cut off from friends or family due to the abuse. In a group, each woman can begin to understand that she is not alone and learn the steps she needs to take to lead a safe and healthy life. Many women blame themselves. They can benefit from sharing information and expressing their feelings with other women in similar situations.

Support groups are women only with a facilitator to guide discussions. The absence of men helps the women express themselves freely. This is especially true for women in abusive relationships, because the men have been controlling. Through her experience with the group, a woman may learn how to trust and develop intimate relationships again.

Having other women who have gone through similar experiences helps a battered woman face the reality of what has happened. It can also help her take responsibility for what she needs to do in the future. Some women may find a group too threatening and may decide not to return. Most, however, will find that support within the group helps them heal.1

References

  1. NiCarthy, G.; Merriam, K.; and Coffman, S. Talking It Out: A Guide to Groups for Abused Women. Seattle: Seal Press, 1984.

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