Call CVVC's 24-Hour Helpline to ask about our ongoing support groups and to receive numberous other victim support services as a client of CVVC.

CVVC offers a variety of groups as a source of support, empowerment and education. The groups offered by CVVC address the impacts of violence and crime on individuals, families and communities. Groups can reduce feelings of isolation and provide a safe place to speak, listen and discover common feelings, thoughts and coping tips.

Below are a few of the groups offered by CVVC.

Support Groups Support groups have a designated facilitator rather then a therapist running the group. The groups are "open" meaning that an individual does not have to commit to regular attendance. Support groups by nature have an agenda that is driven by the group. The goals tend to be less specific and more emphasis is placed on support and education rather then on promoting a specific type of change or growth. Homicide Support Group: Provides support and resources to people who have experienced the death of a significant other as the result of a homicide. Non-Offending Parent Support Group: Provides support and resources for parents or guardians whose child has been sexually or physically abused. Healing Dialogue Circles: These circles are comprised of community members who seek to gain a greater understanding about how trauma and violence impacts individuals and a community's ability to thrive. "Out of the Blue" Healing Dialogue Circle: An on-going healing circle that provides a safe place where, in the company of sisters, women of color can experience the support and assistance needed to gain deeper understanding into the issues of personal trauma using culturally sensitive tools for their journey towards healing. "Brothers Gonna Work It Out" Healing Dialogue Circle: An on-going support group for men to examine how unresolved trauma in their own lives, impact them, their families and the community. Issues of personal responsibility, accountability, healing and reconciliation are discussed as men explore solutions to reducing violence.

Click here for dates, times and locations of CVVC Groups.

Therapy Groups Therapy groups are lead by trained therapists, who are responsible for monitoring and providing structure to the group process. Therapy groups are "closed" groups meaning that an individual must first attend a screening by a CVVC therapist to ensure that one is ready to process their own experiences in addition to hearing about the impact of trauma on others. Therapy groups have the goal of facilitating change, and members are often asked to examine their thinking, behaving and reactions in relation to their traumatic event. Homicide Survivors Group: The homicide survivors group is lead by a therapist for individuals who have had a loved one murdered. The therapy group examines the unique impacts a death by homicide has on individuals, families and communities. Survivors of Sexual Assault: This therapy group provides an opportunity for victims of sexual assault to come together in a safe environment and address the impact sexual violence has had on their life. Group participation provides survivors an opportunity to alleviate shame, isolation and feelings of hopelessness that is not uncommon for survivors to experience.

Therapy and support groups are available based on the needs of clients. For more information, please call our 24-Hour Helpline at 412.392.8582.

For information on Educational Groups facilitated by CVVC please visit the Community Education and Outreach section of the web site.