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Guidelines for Organizing and Conducting Support Groups
For women impacted by interpersonal violence and substance abuse, support groups can play an essential role in their safety, sobriety and recovery. Special support groups for women with these co-occurring issues provide opportunities for participants to discuss their daily struggle with sobriety and their compulsion to use as issues that affect both safety and empowerment.
Support groups can serve as a valuable adjunct to counseling or advocacy. Much of the power in these groups comes from the personal stories. People share their experience, strength and hope with each other. When one person breaks the silence about her experiences, others feel safer breaking their silence. Participants also hear success stories. They hear what others are doing to cope with problems similar to their own.
However, women with the co-occurring issues of interpersonal violence and substance abuse do have some special safety and access concerns. Support groups should have clear ground rules addressing confidentiality, a non-judgmental atmosphere and respect among group members. Following are some tips and general guidelines for these groups.
