We facilitate peer group support meetings on the first and third Monday of most months, from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm. If you are a survivor of child abuse and would like to participate in our meetings, please email [email protected] for meeting location and for answers to any questions you may have.
ASCA is an innovative and effective support program designed specifically for adult survivors of physical, sexual, and/or emotional child abuse or neglect, bringing them together within a nurturing and supportive community. Meetings are not intended to be psychotherapy or to substitute for consultation with a licensed mental health professional.
Meeting Guidelines
To ensure cooperation and safety in our meeting, we observe the following guidelines:
- Please arrive on time and remain until the conclusion of the meeting.
- ASCA meetings are exclusively for survivors of physical, sexual, or emotional childhood abuse.
- This is an anonymous meeting. Only first names are used.
- What you hear in meetings is told in confidence and should not be repeated outside the meeting.
- We ask that no one attend our meeting under the influence of alcohol or drugs unless the medication is prescribed by a physician.
- ASCA meetings are not intended for survivors who are currently perpetrating abuse on others.
- Talking about past or present perpetrator-type behaviour is not permissible.
- Language that is considered derogatory concerning race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or other minority status is unacceptable in our meeting. We also encourage participants to avoid using foul language.
- By participating in these meetings we agree to abide by the guidelines and any interventions by the Facilitator.
Meeting Testimonials
To sit in a room and feel understood and accepted means everything. Thank you all.
Survivor
I am truly grateful for last night’s meeting. To share and be entrusted with your experiences is powerful. It gives me strength…and yes, hope. Many thanks!
Survivor
I am grateful for these meetings. They have changed my life.
Survivor
Daily Survival Tips
Here are some suggestions about what to do when the memories, feelings, thoughts or sensations get to be more than you think you can handle. Start with the first tip and go down the list as needed until the crisis subsides. Add to the list or make changes to create a personal safety plan that works best for you.
- Ground yourself in the present. Rub your hands or legs while stating your name and current information such as your age, the date, etc.
- Let them happen. Don’t fight them, experience them in the safest way that you can.
- Write in your journal.
- Talk to someone you trust such as a friend, fellow ASCA participant, or your therapist.
- Remember the strengths that helped you survive as a child.
- Do exercise, yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or a relaxation exercise.
- Go to your “safe place” or call on your spirituality.
- Do art — drawing, painting or collage — to express your feelings, organize your memories and demonstrate your strength.
- Call a telephone hot-line.
- Go to a hospital emergency room.