Psycho-Educational Group for Survivors of Adult Sexual Assault
Schedule of session topics
- Week one: Effects of sexual assault
- Week two: Fear, anger, sadness and grief
- Week three: Shame, guilt, and self-blame
- Week four: Managing triggers and flashbacks
- Week five: Healthy coping and self-care
- Week six: Self-esteem, intimacy, boundaries, and assertiveness
- Week seven: Resilience, hope, and empowerment
- Week eight: Social connections and support systems
How it works
Sessions are facilitated as one hour discussion circles. Our time together in group will focus on helping each other understand the impacts we may experience as the result of assault, as well as how we may respond to those impacts.
PEGaSUS believes strongly in bringing survivors of all genders together safely in community with others, we hope that participants will feel able to share areas that they have found challenging in their healing as well as identify and celebrate their strengths.
Different from a purely self-help or purely therapeutic group, this psychoeducational group is co-facilitated by experts in the field of sexual violence support and response.
PEGaSUS is open to student of all genders from Dalhousie University and University of King's College.
How to join
Email HRES@dal.ca to join the group.
PEGaSUS is hosted by Lyndsay Anderson, sexualized violence advisor & Amina Abawajy, education advisor.
You are not alone.
PEGaSUS offers…
- a supportive space open to all genders of students who have experienced adult sexual assault
- a safe space to connect with others through mutual support and group education
- an opportunity to recognize your strengths, build resilience, and work towards self-empowerment
Testimonials
"Being part of a group has provided me with the change to open up about my assault and learn how to heal. I feel like I am learning how to live again alongside my lovely ladies.
"Talking, connecting, hurting, and healing with others who understand and are on the same journey."
"I was worried about coming to group, but as soon as I came, I felt welcomed and understood, without even having to say anything."
"I have had the privilege to learn from — and heal with — an extraordinary group of young women. Moving forward I will carry their strength with me."
"Group therapy has been an important system for me and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to meet people who have shared my experiences."
The PEGaSUS program is adapted with permission from Queen’s University (Prah, H.A., 2015).