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Sexual
/ Physical / Emotional Abuse
Women's group
This is a
Christ-centered group for women in recovery from
past physical, sexual and/or emotional abuse.
One of the keys to success in this recovery
program is the coming together of people with
similar backgrounds who also have common goals
and objectives. Our common background is a
history of abuse and our goal is to enter into
or maintain recovery. Recovery for us is a
two-fold issue. We need healing from the traumas
done to us at sometime in our past; we also need
healing from the influence these past
experiences continue to have on our present
lives.
For the newcomer the rewritten 12 Steps can be a
place to recognize and identify core issues
resulting from past abuse. The newcomer can
receive validation, understanding and knowledge
of appropriate action to take by practicing the
Steps among Christian women.
For
the "old-timers", those women with the
same issues but who have already begun the road
to recovery, this group can provide a place in
which to continue their recovery process.
One
of our objectives is to provide a supportive,
safe environment. The leader alone cannot assure
that, it will have to be a group effort. We
respect and acknowledge each woman's right to be
where she needs to be on her own road to
recovery. We acknowledge the sensitivity we need
to have for each member of this group. Therefore
we have provided a list of reminders that are
not meant to offend but hopefully ensure the
safety and anonymity of each woman present.
"What you hear, let it stay here."
As
with any other Christ-centered recovery group we
believe that, by our participation through
active listening, sharing and application of the
Steps to our lives, the Holy Spirit will guide
us to further understanding, healing and
wholeness.
We
are not here to lecture, preach, fix or provide
therapy. We are here to tell our story. We come
together to share in our weakness, for it is in
our weakness that we gain strength. Ecclesiastes
4:9-12 "Two are better than one, because
they have a good return for their work: If one
falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity
the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep
warm. But how can one keep warm alone: Though
one may be overpowered, two can defend
themselves. A cord of three strands is not
quickly broken." (NIV)
There
are other advantages for coming together as a
group. One is accountability. We can look to
others to honestly let us know how we are doing
in our recovery. Old-timers or sponsors can help
us see where we may be stuck or provide us with
a safe sounding board so that we can hear
ourselves.
Another
advantage is the sharing of encouragement. The
center of the word encouragement is courage.
Sometimes we need others around us who have been
there to give us courage to be where we are or
to take action.
Developing
a support system is integral to a this program.
We find we are not alone. Others share similar
stories. Support can be expanded to include
phone calls with other willing members of the
group. Support could also include seeking out a
sponsor for added encouragement.
An
important advantage is the prayer support. We
can together in prayer against Satan's
strongholds keeping us from maturing as
Christians or keeping us from recovery.
When
we come together we share spiritual gifts.
One
last advantage is that together we multiply the
witness of Christ. We're not an accident. We
reflect Christ's grace and love as we move
through recovery.
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