Women Inspiring Women

Group Therapy for Female Survivors of Physical, Verbal, and Sexual Abuse

Despite the fact that advocacy groups have worked for decades to stop gender-based violence and sexual assault, the numbers are still shocking:

• 1 woman is beaten by her husband or partner every 15 seconds in the United States.
• 1 in every 4 women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime
• 25% - 45% of all women who are battered are battered during pregnancy.Only about 1 in 5 of domestic violence victims with physical injuries seek professional medical treatment

....and the effects on children are astounding as well:

• 1 in 10 calls made to alert police of domestic violence is placed by a child in the home. One of every three abused children becomes an adult abuser or victim.
• Children of mothers who experience prenatal physical domestic violence are at an increased risk of exhibiting aggressive, anxious, depressed or hyperactive behavior.Physical abuse during childhood increases the risk of future victimization among
• women and the risk of future perpetration of abuse by men more than two-fold.

The image looks painful, but not nearly as soul-shattering as the emotional and verbal abuse of being in a violent relationship or being raped. Even in same-sex relationships abuse happens. Before this image was taken, there was hurtful name calling, humiliation, threats, and other forms of abuse that can continue to scar a woman years after her dangerous encounter.

Maybe you have lived decades with abuse, maybe it happened just once; maybe you work or live next to a woman who is being abused at this very moment. Whoever you are, this group is for you. The Women Inspiring Women group is all about healing the emotional wounds of physical, verbal, and sexual abuse. This powerful group of women will focus on healing the shame and secrets associated by offering a caring and supportive experience for women. This group is SAFE, confidential and healing. Benefits of art therapy for sexual assault and domestic violence victims include:

• Opportunities to express difficult emotions
• Recognition of grief and loss
• Encourages survivors to reclaim their voice
• A non-threatening way of sharing
• Solace and support
• It's a tangible way of reconnecting to their bodies
• Provides a way to soothe and relax oneself

Start your healing process here: it may be long-term, but restoring your sense of well-being involves recovery from cumulative trauma, often post-traumatic stress reactions, and almost always personal shame and loss of self. Art Therapy can restore a sense of possibility, identity, and reconnection with parts of the self that were silenced in order to survive the violence. While survivors often feel shame in talking about abuse, talking about their artwork is an experience of finally coming home. Weekly Group Therapy Sessions - Women Inspiring Women

Process your feelings, put your feelings into words and grow from the experience in a positive way. Let go and re-create a stronger, more powerful you. Space limited to 10 participants. Session held Mondays 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

• Battle low self-esteem
• Learn coping mechanisms
• Talk to other women about their experiences and gain feedback
• "Be real" and explore your true emotions in a safe, nurturing, respectful environment
• Improve your sense of well-being
• Get advice, Get support, GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

What others are saying about "Women Inspiring Women"

"Through my art, I've finally found a place to put all those horrible memories." - Sarah, 23

"Talking to other women really helped me see my situation through a different set of eyes: I don't blame myself anymore." - Ann, 42

"It helped to just be in a safe place and cry with others who really understand what I'm going through. Group therapy has helped me find inner happiness." - Jessica, 16