Support Groups
At MESA, we are dedicated to providing ongoing support for survivors of sexual violence. Our support groups offer a safe and confidential space where survivors can find community, healing, and empowerment. These groups are facilitated by experienced professionals who are trained to understand the unique challenges of recovering from sexual violence.
We organize support groups throughout the year to meet the diverse needs of survivors. Each group provides a unique opportunity to connect with others who understand the trauma of sexual assault and are committed to working on themselves as they continue their healing journey. Whether you are seeking a place to feel heard, looking for empathy and understanding, or hoping to find strategies for coping and healing, our support groups are here for you.
Upcoming Support Groups
Healing Together: A Support Group for Women
- Participants: Women, 18 years and older, who have experienced sexual assault as adults.
- Dates: Wednesdays, June 18th – August 13 (9 weeks total)
- Time: 6:30-8:30 PM (Please arrive by 6:20 PM)
- Location: In-person in Lafayette, CO
- The exact location will be provided after participants complete the screening and secure their place in the group.
- In case of inclement weather, the group will shift to a virtual format.
This nine-week support group is designed specifically for women who have experienced sexual assault as adults. While every survivor’s experience is unique, this program focuses on the common threads that connect us, offering a safe space for meaningful discussion and self-reflection.
During the program, participants will:
- Explore themes like self-talk, communication with family, friends, and intimate partners.
- Examine dialectical tensions, cognitive distortions, and areas where healing feels “stuck.”
- Engage in expressive arts and writing exercises to support emotional processing and growth.
- Reflect on their healing journeys and build resilience through shared experiences.
This support group is a collaborative and transformative space where survivors can connect, learn, and support one another in navigating their individual paths toward healing. It is run by Moving to End Sexual Assault (MESA), Boulder County’s sexual violence resource center. While MESA serves Boulder County, this group is free and open to anyone in the Denver metro area, Boulder, and surrounding areas. Participants must be able to reliably attend weekly in-person sessions at our Lafayette location.
Facilitators:
- Dana Rae Vaughn, Ph.D., MESA Program Services Manager
- Diane Derden, MBA, PRN, MESA Staff & Hotline Volunteer
Registration: For more information about this group or to register for a required phone screening, please email [email protected] – or call us at (303) 443-0400.
How to Join Future Groups
If you are interested in joining one of our support groups, please email our advocacy team at [email protected] with your name, phone number, and the type of group you are seeking (e.g., women, teens, men, LGBTQ+). This helps us place you in a group that best suits your needs when we are organizing for these specific groups.
Next Steps
When a support group is scheduled, we will reach out to everyone on our interest list with the details, including the proposed days and times. You can then let us know if you are interested in that specific group and we will set up a phone screening. The screening helps ensure that the group is a good fit for you and that you understand what participation entails. Given the high level of interest, it is important that those selected can fully commit to attending all sessions.
Questions?
If you have any questions about our support groups or how to join, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you every step of the way.