|
creating
change |
understanding
disability |
understanding
deaf culture |
addressing
accessibility |
understanding
violence |
responding
to violence |
safety alert
If you are in danger, please use a safer computer, call 911 or your local hotline or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233 voice), 1-800-787-3224 (tty). There is always a computer trail, but you can click ESCAPE to leave the site quickly.
You are here: home>resources>Trainings and Curricula>support group manual>guidelines for organizing and conducting support groups>
Promoting Easy Access to the Group
Some initial discomfort is normal for anyone who is new to support groups. It is natural to feel nervous in a roomful of strangers. First-time participants may have spent years avoiding the issues the group is discussing. If a woman’s experience includes violence or abuse, she also may have safety concerns. Here are some tips to help participants feel comfortable, stay safe – and hopefully, keep coming back:
- Have easy access to the group – don’t create barriers.
- There is no right way to conduct these groups. … Be open to suggestions from participants.
- Prioritize child care.
- Have food, de-caffeinated coffee and tea available.
- Assist with transportation.
- Don’t screen out. … Prepare for arrival!
- Have enough staff or volunteers available to deal with unexpected issues.
- Have women create their own resource book of referrals.
Getting Safe and Sober: Real Tools You Can Use
©Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault 2005
