Support Groups for Physically and Sexually Abused Teens https://grants.dudleytdoughertyfoundation.org/proposals-2018/support-groups-for-physically-and-sexually-abused-teens https://grants.dudleytdoughertyfoundation.org/@@site-logo/sitelogo-75x75.png

Support Groups for Physically and Sexually Abused Teens

Additional Information
Used for	Funds will be used to underwrite the $40,000-plus cost of The Teen Support Group for Abused Girls and The Teen Support Group for Abused Boys. These ongoing programs are facilitated by a licensed therapist and follow a structured curriculum. The groups provide emotional support and lessen the trauma to teen-agers who have been the victims of severe physical and sexual abuse and sex-trafficking.
Benefits	Teens involved in these groups become better equipped to deal with the myriad of problems that occur after experiencing physical and sexual trauma. The groups help victims become survivors and end the cycle of abuse. This program helps prevent teen girls from getting into abusive relationships, becoming sexually trafficked, or turning to prostitution. It helps prevent teen boys from becoming abusers, abusing alcohol or drugs, or turning to criminal activity. Both groups give teens a place they can go to be honest about their problems, receive help, and acquire the tools they need to navigate adult life.
Proposal Description	The Teen Support Group for Abused Girls and the Teen Support Group for Abused Boys are facilitated by licensed therapists and follow a structured curriculum. The groups provide emotional support and lessen the trauma to teen-agers who have been the victims of severe physical and sexual abuse and sex trafficking. Teens involved in these groups become better equipped to deal with the myriad of problems that occur after experiencing such trauma. The groups help victims become survivors and end the cycle of abuse. The Teen Support Group for Abused Boys is the first support group in the Coastal Bend for boys who have been victims of abuse. In 2017, the CACCB interviewed 498 boys for various allegations of abuse. This demonstrates a need for groups for both boys and girls. The Teen Support Group for Abused Girls is the only such support group in Nueces County. “A Peer Support Group is an intervention that leverages shared experience to foster trust, decrease stigma and create a sustainable forum for seeking help and sharing information about support resources and positive coping strategies” (Money, et al., 2011). The Teen Support Group for Abused Girls and Teen Support Group for Abused Boys bring together teens of similar ages and offer them a chance to cope better and feel less isolated as they connect with others facing similar challenges. Teens have an opportunity to learn and practice a new skill each week while sharing their experiences. This may result in a sense of empowerment by helping a peer while building self-confidence and strength. According to the Mayo Clinic, the benefits of participating in a support group may include: feeling less lonely, isolated, or judged; gaining a sense of empowerment and control; improving coping skills and a sense of adjustment; talking openly and honestly about feelings; and reducing distress, depression, and anxiety (2015). In addition, “Group work can promote self-esteem, reduce resistance, and diffuse feelings of differentness and shame” (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2014). As facilitators, we have seen a shift in the comfort levels of the girls who attend the groups, allowing them to realize the commonalities among their peers, creating a bond and increasing self-confidence. This is the first year (2018) we have provided a support group for teen-age boys; we believe boys benefit in a similar fashion as the girls who attend the groups. Modifications to the curriculum are made as necessary. To facilitate and provide a welcoming forum for engaging discussion, support groups typically include no more than 10 individuals, including the facilitators, and meet on a regular schedule (Money, et al., 2011). Based on feedback of members and their parents, creating a smaller group has benefitted members. There are limited options for this population in our community. Participants evaluate themselves in a pre-test and post-test to see how the program has changed their attitudes toward self-esteem, relationships, and coping skills. At the end of the six-week session, they complete a written evaluation of the program.