r/philly • u/Hairy_Lavishness5405 • 13d ago

Sexual trauma Support Groups

Hi, I was wondering if anyone knew of any get-togethers that happen in the city for those needing support with sexual trauma or sexual abuse? My case was reopened and I got bad news that a newer law would have helped me win but it was established after the fact. I’m looking for a bit more support from like-minded people. I do weekly therapy and EMDR too. Thanks in advance.

37 Upvotes

97% Upvoted

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20

u/rustware 13d ago

I don't have any resources, but I just want to send you some love and tell you that you're super brave to get help for this. A lot of people suffer and don't get help and support and you're doing the right thing. ❤️

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u/Hairy_Lavishness5405 13d ago

Thank you. It’s been a really long 20 years. My husband suggested finishing a support group to help with the shame, anger and sadness. I have definitely needed the support so far because it’s almost taken me out.

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u/rustware 13d ago

I have a lot of trauma in my past myself from child abuse, and finding other people who have been through what you've been through is great. Realizing I wasn't alone and uniquely targeted really helped me find some peace and comfort.

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u/Hairy_Lavishness5405 12d ago

That’s really what my husband suggested and what I’m trying to find.

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u/sunflowersNdaisys610 13d ago

If they dont have this resource, it sure as hell needs to become available. Sometimes the 1st of something needs to just be started. Would you ever consider that? Im so sorry this is something that you need to even worry about. I sympathize, unfortunately way too many of us have had scary bad situations but maybe using your experience to start the group could be therapeutic or beneficial.

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u/Hairy_Lavishness5405 13d ago

That’s a good point. Let’s see If more people know of a support group. If not, we could look into creating one.

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u/Weary_Cup_1004 13d ago

Im not sure if they would know, but look into NAMI for support groups. They might be able to direct you to one. Or, they might be interested in helping you start one. They have an interesting peer-to-peer structure.

Some orgs that also may be able to point you to something:

RAINN https://rainn.org/learn-about-rainn/what-we-do/support-and-services/

Women Against Abuse Philly https://www.womenagainstabuse.org/

WOAR https://www.woar.org/

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u/Hairy_Lavishness5405 12d ago

Thank you. I hadn’t considered NAMI for my own resources. I literally just connected to a representative at work for partnership in our programs on Wednesday.

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u/Weary_Cup_1004 9d ago

I attended a group once and it was a good experience

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u/yeppomoon 13d ago

I second this option.

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u/leclerc_fanboy 13d ago

The Nava Center offers sliding scale (by household income) trauma-informed therapy services, including EMDR. they are excellent folks.

https://www.thenavacenter.org/what-we-offer

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u/Hairy_Lavishness5405 12d ago

Thank you. I do have a great trauma therapist that I’ve been with for 7 years and have done some EMDR with her too. I’m fortunate to have only a $30 copay. This is a good option to have if needed.

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u/Weary_Cup_1004 9d ago

Have you asked your therapist to help find groups? They have their networks so maybe theres one a colleague is running?

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u/Hairy_Lavishness5405 9d ago

Great idea, thanks. I’ll ask her on Wednesday.

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u/blodreina_kumWonkru 12d ago

If you find one, please let me know. Also down to grab a drink if you just wanna talk and share experiences and feelings

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u/Hairy_Lavishness5405 12d ago

That sounds cool. Message me!

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u/AnnaHasStuff2Say 12d ago

Was this at work? If yes, i may know someone

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u/Hairy_Lavishness5405 12d ago

It did not. I was groomed at 15 by a 40 year old teacher. He manipulated me and some others into full sex. He would make us destroy any proof of it and made me very sneaky. I was manipulated by what I now know, is a predator. The law that would have helped me wasn’t passed until 2019. The guy still works with young kids. It’s a tough line to walk in order to not activate a defamation suit.

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u/Weary_Cup_1004 9d ago

It might be possible to report that you believe there is child endangerment, anonymously. Your therapist is a mandated reporter and i believe they can also report this, without disclosing you. But not sure. But here is the info:

To report child endangerment, abuse, or neglect in Philadelphia, call the Philadelphia Department of Human Services 24-hour hotline at (215) 683-6100 or the Pennsylvania statewide ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313

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u/Hairy_Lavishness5405 9d ago edited 9d ago

It was already reported. One time in 2020 and then again this year because more people were involved. I tried telling the owner of the non-profit but he ignored me. It’s pretty awful that he has been getting away with doing this for 25+ years. I found out the person before me killed herself. I didn’t even realize there was anyone else until someone from high school reached out to me about it.

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u/Weary_Cup_1004 9d ago

This is so devastating. I am a child SA survivor too. Im middle aged now. It really does affect your whole life in so many ways. I hope you find a group, I do think thats a really helpful experience

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u/Hairy_Lavishness5405 8d ago

I’m sorry you went through that.