Are you wondering if you might be an adult survivor? Are you wondering if a peer support group meeting would help? |
Are you looking to join a peer support group meeting? Are you seeking resources for meetings and/or individual work? |
Are you thinking of starting a peer support group meeting? Would you like some assistance from another organizer? |
Survivors as Explorers Discovering Themselves
What is a Survivor (ASCA)?
A Survivor, specifically in the context of Survivors Anonymous Group, an Adult Survivor of Child Abuse (ASCA), is anyone who has experienced the trauma of physical, sexual, verbal, mental abuse and/or neglect as a child. The terms 'trauma', 'abuse', and 'child' are not easily defined due to so many circumstantial variations that qualify.
Trauma may be suddenly shocking or subtly confusing. Abuse can be overtly damaging or a secret hidden in shame. A child who is homeless has the same basic rights as one who lives with a large family, whether in a poor or affluent situation. The key point is that the child is not responsible for the actions of the perpetrator(s).
Am I an Adult Survivor of Child Abuse?
If you suspect that you might be a Survivor, there's a good chance you are a Survivor. How can you know for sure? Memories don't always come back all at once. But, something doesn't seem right, especially if you are experiencing anxiety, rage, depression, flashbacks, or have issues with trust and forming healthy relationships.
One way to tell if you might be a Survivor is to read about the affects of abuse. There are lots of good websites and videos to Google and search, including self-tests, therapy sites and videos, PTSD-related information, etc. Go easy, be gentle yourself and then return here when you think you're ready for the next step.
I think I am a Survivor. What do I do now?
First, are you in urgent need of help or assistance? Is the abuse still happening? Are you thinking about suicide? If your answer is yes to any of these, please seek immediate help. Here are a few: 911, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255, www.naasca.org.
Second, please know that you are neither broken nor alone. Others are at various stages of the same journey, yet everyone's journey is unique. Each Survivor will discover what works for them: therapy, peer support, a trusted friend, listening to other survivors, etc.
Explore your options for healing, because healing is definitely possible. Again, be gentle on yourself. Pace yourself. At this time, you might want the support of others who have been there are have similar goals of recovering what was taken from you. The ASCA Program provides a guide for selecting an appropriate therapist for your needs.
Survivors Anonymous Group
The mission of Survivors Anonymous Group is to make peer support possible for every survivor who wants it. Currently, the most comprehensive list of Meeting Locations is available through the ASCA Program. Much work remains to build a huge network of private Meetup groups modeled after Survivors Anonymous and based on the ASCA Support Program from The Morris Center.
A Survivor, specifically in the context of Survivors Anonymous Group, an Adult Survivor of Child Abuse (ASCA), is anyone who has experienced the trauma of physical, sexual, verbal, mental abuse and/or neglect as a child. The terms 'trauma', 'abuse', and 'child' are not easily defined due to so many circumstantial variations that qualify.
Trauma may be suddenly shocking or subtly confusing. Abuse can be overtly damaging or a secret hidden in shame. A child who is homeless has the same basic rights as one who lives with a large family, whether in a poor or affluent situation. The key point is that the child is not responsible for the actions of the perpetrator(s).
Am I an Adult Survivor of Child Abuse?
If you suspect that you might be a Survivor, there's a good chance you are a Survivor. How can you know for sure? Memories don't always come back all at once. But, something doesn't seem right, especially if you are experiencing anxiety, rage, depression, flashbacks, or have issues with trust and forming healthy relationships.
One way to tell if you might be a Survivor is to read about the affects of abuse. There are lots of good websites and videos to Google and search, including self-tests, therapy sites and videos, PTSD-related information, etc. Go easy, be gentle yourself and then return here when you think you're ready for the next step.
I think I am a Survivor. What do I do now?
First, are you in urgent need of help or assistance? Is the abuse still happening? Are you thinking about suicide? If your answer is yes to any of these, please seek immediate help. Here are a few: 911, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255, www.naasca.org.
Second, please know that you are neither broken nor alone. Others are at various stages of the same journey, yet everyone's journey is unique. Each Survivor will discover what works for them: therapy, peer support, a trusted friend, listening to other survivors, etc.
Explore your options for healing, because healing is definitely possible. Again, be gentle on yourself. Pace yourself. At this time, you might want the support of others who have been there are have similar goals of recovering what was taken from you. The ASCA Program provides a guide for selecting an appropriate therapist for your needs.
Survivors Anonymous Group
The mission of Survivors Anonymous Group is to make peer support possible for every survivor who wants it. Currently, the most comprehensive list of Meeting Locations is available through the ASCA Program. Much work remains to build a huge network of private Meetup groups modeled after Survivors Anonymous and based on the ASCA Support Program from The Morris Center.
Survivors as Members of a Peer Support Group
How to join a Survivors Anonymous Peer Support Group
A Survivors Anonymous Group peer support group is distinct in that it uses Meetup.com to establish and manage membership in a private group. Both the membership and meeting location are not view able by non-members. This arrangement provides a way to help to keep the support meetings safe and anonymous, a crucial factor in Survivor recovery and healing.
If none are found, or the About description doesn't sound like a Survivors Anonymous meeting based on the ASCA Support Program, please use the Contact page of this website to request assistance in locating a meeting, or possibly starting a meeting in your area.
Please read below for Organizers & Co-Facilitators on how to start a Survivors Anonymous Group meeting. If you want to start an open ASCA Support group without using Meetup, please refer to the ASCA Support website for further information.
ASCA Support resources relevant to a healing journey as a Survivor
The Survivor to Thriver manual is an essential guidebook for Survivors Anonymous Group / ASCA participants, as well as for any survivor of physical, sexual and/or emotional child abuse or neglect. This is the first of two components for working the ASCA Program. This 115 page manual describes the transformative journey from victim, to survivor, to thriver. Click on the appropriate link depending on the desired format, such as Online, PDF, or bound & printed.
The Meeting Resources related to participating in Survivors Anonymous Group / ASCA meetings which constitute the second of two components for working the ASCA Program. Self-help meetings are the backbone of the ASCA SM recovery program. Our meeting resource files are provided to assist you in the process of properly establishing and running Survivors Anonymous Group / ASCA meetings.
(Caution against getting overwhelmed. There are many more files available for download than are necessary to supplement meeting attendance. Most are co-facilitator training-related. Any resources you need may be provided at the meetings themselves.)
Please Note:
ASCA meetings are not meant to be a substitute for professional care and services. You should always consult a trained professional with any questions about your specific needs and concerns. Always know your own limitations and factor in your own good judgment and common sense.
A Survivors Anonymous Group peer support group is distinct in that it uses Meetup.com to establish and manage membership in a private group. Both the membership and meeting location are not view able by non-members. This arrangement provides a way to help to keep the support meetings safe and anonymous, a crucial factor in Survivor recovery and healing.
- Go to www.Meetup.com to search for an existing group in your area.
- If you are already logged in, simply click the Meetup logo on the upper-left.
- If not, look for 'Popular Meetups nearby' and click 'See all'.
- Search for 'ASCA' or 'Survivors' within the desired distance from your area.
- If any are found, read the About description before requesting to 'Join this group'.
If none are found, or the About description doesn't sound like a Survivors Anonymous meeting based on the ASCA Support Program, please use the Contact page of this website to request assistance in locating a meeting, or possibly starting a meeting in your area.
Please read below for Organizers & Co-Facilitators on how to start a Survivors Anonymous Group meeting. If you want to start an open ASCA Support group without using Meetup, please refer to the ASCA Support website for further information.
ASCA Support resources relevant to a healing journey as a Survivor
The Survivor to Thriver manual is an essential guidebook for Survivors Anonymous Group / ASCA participants, as well as for any survivor of physical, sexual and/or emotional child abuse or neglect. This is the first of two components for working the ASCA Program. This 115 page manual describes the transformative journey from victim, to survivor, to thriver. Click on the appropriate link depending on the desired format, such as Online, PDF, or bound & printed.
The Meeting Resources related to participating in Survivors Anonymous Group / ASCA meetings which constitute the second of two components for working the ASCA Program. Self-help meetings are the backbone of the ASCA SM recovery program. Our meeting resource files are provided to assist you in the process of properly establishing and running Survivors Anonymous Group / ASCA meetings.
(Caution against getting overwhelmed. There are many more files available for download than are necessary to supplement meeting attendance. Most are co-facilitator training-related. Any resources you need may be provided at the meetings themselves.)
Please Note:
ASCA meetings are not meant to be a substitute for professional care and services. You should always consult a trained professional with any questions about your specific needs and concerns. Always know your own limitations and factor in your own good judgment and common sense.
Survivors as Organizers & Co-Facilitators Helping Others
How to Start a Survivors Anonymous Peer Support Group
Starting up a new Survivors Anonymous Peer Support Group consists of establishing a Meetup group (with or without a sponsor), and addressing the 3 P’s: People, Place, and Process. People are the reason we use Meetup. The platform functions for attracting and qualifying people as Survivors, as well as maintaining group membership, communication and meeting location privacy.
Starting up a new Survivors Anonymous Peer Support Group consists of establishing a Meetup group (with or without a sponsor), and addressing the 3 P’s: People, Place, and Process. People are the reason we use Meetup. The platform functions for attracting and qualifying people as Survivors, as well as maintaining group membership, communication and meeting location privacy.
Basic Steps for Creating a New Survivors Anonymous Peer Support Group
We will help you get listed with ASCASupport and NAASCA as an active meeting. The exact location will be kept private; the listing will only state the general area, such as city, and contain a link to your Meetup. For additional marketing, contact local therapists who specialize in trauma, PTSD, child abuse, sexual abuse, and print, email, and post flyers in and around your area.
* A Meetup account, which can have unlimited membership for up to three groups, is not free. The costs is $90 every six months (excluding any free trial periods). This is the reason why we ‘Sponsor' new groups. An Organizer can maintain their primary group while they also sponsor two more groups until a member of those Meetup groups can take over (Step Up) as Organizer.
- Create a Private Meetup Group called, "Survivors Anonymous [Location]." *
- Review all ASCA Meeting Materials, such as Co-Facilitator Training material.
- Print, read, and handout Survivors Anonymous Meeting Guidelines and Handouts.
- Find and secure a Meeting Location (You might be able to try a place already holding AA 12-step meetings.)
- Create Meetup Events. Feel free to copy & paste content from another Survivors Anonymous group.
- Start qualifying requests to join, searching NSOPW and social media to authenticate them.
- Begin a program of initial and continuous Marketing for your Survivors Anonymous Meetup group.
We will help you get listed with ASCASupport and NAASCA as an active meeting. The exact location will be kept private; the listing will only state the general area, such as city, and contain a link to your Meetup. For additional marketing, contact local therapists who specialize in trauma, PTSD, child abuse, sexual abuse, and print, email, and post flyers in and around your area.
* A Meetup account, which can have unlimited membership for up to three groups, is not free. The costs is $90 every six months (excluding any free trial periods). This is the reason why we ‘Sponsor' new groups. An Organizer can maintain their primary group while they also sponsor two more groups until a member of those Meetup groups can take over (Step Up) as Organizer.
Basic Steps for Creating a Meetup Group for Survivors Anonymous Peer Support in Your Area
- Sign up to become a member of Meetup at www.Meetup.com.
- Start a New Meetup and specify the location for the new Meetup Group.
- Choose what your Meetup will be about. This is where you select keywords.*
- Name your new Meetup group as 'Survivors Anonymous' plus city & state or airport /zip code.**
- For the Meetup description, copy and paste the text from the About section of 'Survivors Anonymous'.***
* Suggested keywords to use for Survivors Anonymous Meetup Group: Childhood Abuse, Adult Survivors of Childhood Abuse, Childhood Sexual Abuse, Emotional Trauma and PTSD, Support Group, Adults Abused as Children, Trauma Survivors, Childhood Trauma, Abuse Survivors, Healing from Sexual Abuse, Sexual Abuse Survivors, Survivors Anonymous, ASCA (may not be available).
** Example Meetup Group names include: 'Survivors Anonymous GSO' using airport code or 'Survivors Anonymous Charlotte NC'. The only downside to using city names is if another group starts up in the same city. Airport code plus a number, or a zip code work well. A list of airport codes is available at: www.AirportCodes.org.
*** The original 'Survivors Anonymous' group is in Greensboro, NC, and is found at: www.Meetup.com/SurvivorsAnonymous/.
How to Spread the Cost of Organizing a Meetup Account
An existing, paying Meetup Organizer can start a new Meetup group for a new area to have its own peer support meetings at no extra cost in order to help the new group get started. Eventually, the idea is that a new Organizer from that group would be able to ‘step up’ from within the membership of the new group, and the sponsoring Organizer would be able to ‘step down’. Once the Organizer has stepped down, they are able to sponsor another group, and so on.
Where to Hold the Survivors Anonymous / ASCA Peer Support Group Meetings
The place is totally up to the new Co-Facilitator(s). The Co-Facilitator(s) of the meeting do not have to be the Organizer or Co-Organizer of the Meetup. But, close communication will be essential to being consistent and predictable. Many places charge rent per hour, but a diligent search may result in a rent-free location.
How to Conduct the Survivors Anonymous / ASCA Peer Support Group Meetings
Finally, the process is completely covered in detail through the ASCA Support Program developed by The Morris Center. Everything you need for running the meetings as well as going through your own individual healing process is available on their website.
Some groups have an open door policy where anyone can walk in. At the Survivors Anonymous Meetup group, we find it beneficial to know our membership has met minimum requirements. We perform simple ID verification usually via social media, check that the applicant is not in NSOPW database, and sometimes we meet separately before they attend the first meeting.
Please do not hesitate to Contact us if you have any questions, concerns, or would like assistance in setting a new Survivors Anonymous Group Meetup group.
The place is totally up to the new Co-Facilitator(s). The Co-Facilitator(s) of the meeting do not have to be the Organizer or Co-Organizer of the Meetup. But, close communication will be essential to being consistent and predictable. Many places charge rent per hour, but a diligent search may result in a rent-free location.
How to Conduct the Survivors Anonymous / ASCA Peer Support Group Meetings
Finally, the process is completely covered in detail through the ASCA Support Program developed by The Morris Center. Everything you need for running the meetings as well as going through your own individual healing process is available on their website.
Some groups have an open door policy where anyone can walk in. At the Survivors Anonymous Meetup group, we find it beneficial to know our membership has met minimum requirements. We perform simple ID verification usually via social media, check that the applicant is not in NSOPW database, and sometimes we meet separately before they attend the first meeting.
Please do not hesitate to Contact us if you have any questions, concerns, or would like assistance in setting a new Survivors Anonymous Group Meetup group.
We are a work in progress!!
Not only are we working on ourselves, we're working on this website to add more useful information.
We are a work in progress!!
Not only are we working on ourselves, we're working on this website to add more useful information.