Support Groups are safe spaces for the on-going healing and empowerment of survivors, available to the English-speaking Montreal community. Meetings are completely confidential and completely free. Three to ten members meet weekly with trained co-facilitators, in a physically accessible, confidential location near McGill's downtown campus.
SACOMSS' Support Groups programme provides a safe space for on-going healing and empowerment of survivors. These groups are confidential, weekly meetings with two facilitators and only a few other members. Since participation is open-ended, you are never forced to attend a set number of sessions. Each group will develop its own guidelines to protect everyone's emotional safety and maintain respect for one another. From week to week, discussion will arise around different themes, responding directly to the current needs of the members. You will never be judged. Through sharing, listening and encouragement, you will both give and receive emotional support toward healthy coping.
The facilitators are trained volunteers. Some are themselves survivors of sexual assault. Some work in helping professions, and some are students at McGill. All have made a special committment to working with survivors. Facilitators provide continuity within the ever-changing groups. They work to ensure everyone has the chance to speak. They protect the emotional safety of the group. They provide resources to members.
All facilitators have participated in at least 36 hours of training by SACOMSS. This provides the facilitators with the skills and the experience to manage conflicts and group dynamics. More importantly, facilitators have learned to listen actively, and to understand the identity and sensitivity issues that many survivors may face.
Facilitators are trained volunteers, not trained psychotherapists or counsellors. If you are looking for a psychotherapist or counsellor, please visit the Resources page for more information.
SACOMSS services are anonymous and of a supportive nature. We do not provide therapy or private counselling.
Copyright © 2006 Sexual Assault Center of McGill Students Society (SACOMSS)