Support group for sexual abuse survivors holding first meeting
Published at | Updated at
IDAHO FALLS — At the height of the national #MeToo movement to end sexual violence, a local mother is starting a support group to help with the problem locally.
Partnered with Addiction and Trauma Recovery Services, Carrie Shull is advocating for sexual abuse or assault survivors through her new group NextStep.
“I think that it’s really, really important that people understand the value of believing someone, of allowing them to express grief and anger, and sadness and fear,” Shull said.
NextStep is a free peer-support-group for women to find strength through the help of other survivors and resources for necessary healing.
“What I think this will provide is an introduction to some of the things that you might learn (in therapy), but we also want to focus on helping women live now day-to-day, even if you’re in therapy,” Shull said.
Shull said she wanted to start this group because she’s a survivor herself. She’s worked to overcome the trauma of being sexually assaulted in her teens. She and other advocates and professionals in the community want to show survivors what support looks like.
“I wanted to know other survivors and I wanted to be able to talk to them, and there wasn’t anything ever available, but you find each other,” Shull said. “Right now with especially the #metoo movement, now is the time. People are willing more than ever before to talk about this.”
Shull has always hoped for more resources in the community for sexual abuse victims. She said it’s time for east Idaho to have a group like this.
“I am a female survivor and I know so many,” Shull said.
The group will function as an anonymous 12-step-like group, focused on peer support and personal growth. It will be overseen by clinicians who will provide provide guidance and oversight to ensure the safety and effectiveness of NextStep’s meetings and education.
“If you are actively a part of a group and helping people the chances of falling apart completely are far less than if you’re just on you’re own,” Shull said.
There is no obligation required if survivors choose to attend. A counselor will be there to present a message of healing and coping strategies. The group will then have a sharing time where attendees are welcome to share their stories.
“We want it to be as positive as possible,” Shull said.
The group will meet on the second Wednesday of every month. It will hold its first meeting at Rocky Mountain Diabetes, 3190 Washington Parkway, Idaho Falls at 8 p.m on March 14.
“The great part about a support group is it’s something you can always go to,” Shull said. “It’s something you’ll always be welcomed at.”