Peer-Support Group for Survivors of Sexual Violence
The Gender Equity Centre will be hosting a peer-support group for survivors of sexual violence. The first meeting will happen on February 12th, at 4:30pm.
Sexual assault is a traumatic experience that can impact a person on many levels (academic/work, psychological, physical, social and emotional) and overcoming sexual violence can be a difficult and slow journey. Not only does one need to heal physically, there is also an invisible emotional and mental weight which victims and survivors continue to carry long after the experience. While reporting procedures and campus policy can support a victim when disclosing an assault, a key piece of emotional assistance is missing from the current system in place.
Why facilitate peer support?
Every survivor of sexual violence is different; every survivor’s experience of violence is different. A peer support, which aligns with “the belief that people who have faced, endured, and overcome adversity can offer useful support, encouragement, hope, and perhaps mentorship to others facing similar situations” (Survivors Helping Survivors) is the informal counselling approach used by Rise Above.
Some key characteristics of peer‐support initiatives usually include the following:
· Not professionally‐led, informal discussion
· People gather for support based on a shared issue or experience.
· May include self‐help, mutual support, mutual‐aid, support groups, and mentoring.
· May be change‐oriented, social‐oriented, support‐oriented, or focussed on social action.
How do we begin this at Lakehead?
As with many social changes that happen on campuses, students need to take the lead. This first meeting will establish how members will contact one another, how often the meetings will take place, and other facilitation aspects. This will be a closed discussion, meaning that it is only open to those who self-identify as victims or survivors of sexual violence and wish to participate in peer support.
The Gender Equity Centre is a safe, inclusive space to meet and the decision to hold the meeting afterhours was consciously made to ensure the space will remain closed.
Contact Us:
If you are interested in this, but aren’t available to come out on the 12th, please send us an e-mail so that we can see about holding this space on a different day, or at a different time.
riseabovelu@gmail.com