Domestic Violence Support Group

A domestic violence support group for women, providing emotional support in a safe and confidential setting.

Facilitated by a domestic violence advocate from the Women’s Center of Montgomery County.

Some locations also offer free childcare. Admission is Free

Domestic Abuse Support Group Services:

There is a stereotype that domestic abuse occurs only in low-income, poorly educated, minority, or ‘dysfunctional’ families. The sad fact is that it occurs in every community, among people of every age, religion and race, sexual orientation, and at every economic level. Millions of people are in abusive relationships, or are directly affected by one. Problems do not always end when victims escape or the relationship ends, deep wounds may remain. Many times, escape is not possible and the victim continues to live within an abusive situation.

Why join a Support Group?

In less modern times community gatherings were places where people came together to celebrate, nurture, encourage, and console one another. Today, we still need nurturing, encouragement, intimacy and consolation, particularly during difficult times. But face-to-face interactions within our communities are becoming rare. We may get support from family and friends, but sometimes they cannot easily understand what it’s like to be in our situation. A support or self-help group comprising people in the same situation can help fill the void. Whether someone is dealing with illness, emotional problems, life transitions, or a temporary  situational crisis, we can come together with people in the same situation to offer each other support and encouragement.

Although support and self-help groups can vary greatly, all groups share one thing in common -they are places where people can share personal stories, express emotions, and be heard in an atmosphere of acceptance, understanding, and encouragement. Participants share information and resources. By helping others, people in a support group strengthen and empower themselves. Mutual support and validation from other group members enables personal growth and change in a way that individual therapy cannot.

Support groups usually have a set meeting time (weekly/monthly), and an open format. This  means that the groups are ongoing, and members have the option of attending when it is convenient for them. The open format allows members to feel some degree of anonymity, and to participate when they are comfortable. For some, simply attending meetings and listening to the experiences of others can be helpful.

Domestic Abuse Support Groups provide support and education for women coping with current or past abuse. Although no two relationships are the same, women often find it is helpful to talk with other women who have had similar experiences of physical, emotional, sexual or financial abuse. Counselors facilitate and provide information about the dynamics of abuse  to help group members recognize the warning signs of violence and plan ways to keep themselves and their children safe.

There is hope for survivors of domestic abuse, and recovery is possible. The healing process starts with recognizing how far reaching the impact of domestic abuse truly is. Recovery is a step-by-step process, and it is a journey no one needs to take alone.

The Women’s Center of Montgomery County has six offices throughout the county, and offers support groups in Norristown, Pottstown, Bryn Mawr and Lansdale. Women over the age of 18 who can travel to any of these locations can attend. For further information please call 1-800-773-2424.