You are not alone. Meet with others who are learning to end abuse.

New Beginnings sponsors weekly support groups in several neighborhoods. These groups are open to women who are working to end intimate partner abuse in their own lives. A core belief of New Beginnings is that each woman will solve her own problems in her own way at her own time.

The women who attend have had diverse experiences and come from many different backgrounds. Some have already left destructive relationships, some are thinking of leaving, and some are somewhere in between. They often find that the support group provides a safe time and place to share difficult thoughts and feelings, an opportunity to help others, and new understandings about abuse and strategies for change.

Meetings include discussion topics as well as time for open sharing. Women are not required to share any information unless and until they feel comfortable doing so.

Facilitators who lead Stage One groups cover ten core topics:

• what is abuse?
• power and control
• barriers to leaving
• red flags
• communication skills and assertiveness
• setting boundaries
• coping mechanisms
• barriers to leaving
• grief and loss
• self esteem and anger

Stage two groups provide continuing support for women who want to explore these topics further and value the continuing support while working through difficult changes.

Our support group care contract states:

• We will keep what is said confidential.
• We will act in a non-judgmental way.
• We will respect each other's time to talk.
• We will recognize that each person solves her own problems in her own way at her own time.
• We will keep this location confidential.
• We will support this group by cleaning up so the next group has a nice space.
• We will not drink or misuse drugs for 24 hours prior to group.

In need of services? Call us at 206/522-9472 to screen into a support group near you.