Adults in Recovery and Informed Against Sexual Exploitation

Shelter from the Storm©

Jeremiah 30:17 "For I will restore health to you and

heal you of your wounds, says the Lord."

Shelter from the Storm© are Christ centered support groups designed to heal the emotional wound related to sexual abuse. The twelve week curriculum published in 1995 by Cynthia Kubetin-Littlefield, James Mallory, M.D. and Jacqualine C. Truitt is a clear step by step process for victims of sexual abuse to overcome the pervasive destruction that has happened to them.

Many individuals have survived the trauma of sexual abuse. Most often the abuse occurred at the hands of someone in a trusted position. Sadly, the devastating effects will continue throughout every stage of the survivor’s life until it is appropriately addressed and dealt with.

From a spiritual perspective, God is not the author of sexual abuse nor does He condone it in any form. God is the creator of sex, the human anatomy and the sex drive. His plan is for sexual intimacy to be expressed in marriage between one man and one woman, whereby love, respect, and commitment defines the relationship.

Sexual abuse is a sinful, willful and selfish act committed against another person which brings destruction and devastation in the victims life. The victims perception of themselves, others, God and life in general is severely distorted. However, God desires to heal the emotional wounds related to the abuse so you may experience life with meaning and purpose as He intended. Healing, freedom and truth is available through His Son, Jesus Christ. Don’t suffer in silence any longer. Help and resources are available.

Course Description

Shelter from the Storm support groups are designed for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse who desire to experience deliverance and wholeness (spirit, soul & body). It will empower women to realize that they are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ rather than victims of their past.

Course Objectives

Survivors of sexual abuse will come to realize there is hope and healing from the past as they examine the:

false beliefs about the abuse

overwhelming effects of abuse on their life

process of grieving the pain of sexual abuse and of learning to let go of the past

process of reclaiming trust, control, and intimacy

road to recovery through the Word of God

path with God's help, from victim to survivor to an overcomer through Jesus Christ

Benefits of a Support Group

1. Offer caring support & encouragement

2. Offer unconditional love & support

3. Offer a safe and trusted place for wounded people to tell the truth

4. Offer an environment to express feelings openly

5. Offer freedom to identify options and make decisions

6. Offer a safe place to take the time needed to recover

7. Offer an opportunity to expose hurtful experiences and unmet needs without being misunderstood or criticized

8. Offer a place to experience accountability to yourself and

others

9. Offer an experience of the mercy and wisdom of God and the healing power of prayer

10.Offer hope and healing

11.Offer community to those who have felt alone in their grief and pain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. How many participants are in a group?

Answer: The maximum number of participants per group is eight.

Q. What age can I participate in the support group?

Answer: Group participants need to be at least 18 years of age. Each participant will be required to sign a pledge of confidentiality.

Q. How often will the support group meet?

Answer: Group meetings are held once a week.

Q. How long are the weekly meetings?

Answer: The groups meetings will last 1-1/2 - 2 hours.

Q. Is there a fee for participating in the support group?

Answer: Yes, fees are assessed for the workbook and support group sessions.

Q. Can family members attend a Shelter meeting?

Answer: No, the dynamics of the family system would impact the process of the group. Participants need the freedom to express their past and present hurts in a safe environment.

Q. I was sexually abused as an adult can I participate in a Shelter group?

Answer: Yes, the same principles for recovery from childhood sexual abuse can be applied to sexual abuse as an adult.

Q. Can I join the support group anytime during the twelve weeks?

Answer: Shelter groups are closed groups and no one will be allowed to join after the groups have started. Shelter group are held twice a year in the Spring and Fall sessions. New participants must wait until the next group session.