All Gender Empowerment Support Group
CSUSB cares about survivors of abuse. If you want a place to talk with other survivors, the Advocate provides a weekly support group for any CSUSB student who has experienced Sexual Violence, Domestic Violence/Intimate Partner Violence, and Stalking. This is a confidential support group where you can give support, receive support, and increase coping skills! Share your story- or feel free not to.
The Fall 2023 support group will run from September 28th - November 16th from 12:00 to 1:30 pm!
Location: CAPS
Anticipated schedule:
- Session One – Who Are We and What Are We Doing Here (9/28)
- Session Two – Be Your Own Best Friend (Addressing Blame) (10/5)
- Session Three – Boundaries (10/12)
- Session Four – Coping with Stress and Anger (10/19)
- Session Five – Trust after Trauma (10/26)
- Session Six - Coping and Healing (11/2)
- Session Seven – Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships (11/9)
- Session Eight – Safety Planning & Moving into the Future (11/16)
Empowerment Support Group FAQ
What is the Empowerment Support Group?
The Empowerment Support Group is for any CSUSB student who has experienced stalking, intimate partner/dating violence, and/or sexual violence. All genders are welcome.
How can I join? Do I need to register?
The Empowerment Support Group group requires that all new group members pre-register for the group.
Do I have to come to the group every week? Can I start the group halfway through the semester?
You can start or stop coming to our drop-in group at any point during the semester. You can decide to skip a week or two and return when your schedule allows. However, support groups are often most beneficial when attended consistently. Please keep in mind that you will need to schedule a pre-group appointment with the advocate before your first group meeting.
I am not a student at CSUSB. Can I attend?
No. Currently, we only offer support groups to CSUSB students. Please see the list below for community agencies that may offer support groups or contact the Advocate for referrals.
What does a typical group session look like?
At the start of each group, the group facilitator(s) will have information about group guidelines and ask you to sign a participation agreement. The participation agreement describes the ground rules designed to protect all group members' safety and confidentiality. The group length is 90 minutes, is semi-structured, and will be responsive to the areas of focus the attendees say are most helpful to them.
Do I have to talk if I come to the group?
Absolutely not. That is your choice if you feel more comfortable listening to others and sitting in silence. Some people find it difficult to open up to people they do not know well, and others find it comforting. We respect your decision to participate at your own pace.
Can I go to the empowerment group and get individual services as well?
Of course. If you have questions about our services or what might be helpful to you on your healing journey, feel free to consult with our Survivor Advocate.
Who leads the empowerment group?
The Advocate and trained VOICE Peer Advocates co-lead the group. They will facilitate conversation, encourage peer-to-peer learning, and encourage self-exploration.
Is what I say in the group confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of our services, and we require the group leaders and attendees to uphold the confidentiality of all who participate. Confidential means that, as allowable by law, the information student survivors who are 18 and older share with us will never be shared with law enforcement, campus authorities, parents, or any other person without the explicit written permission of the student survivor.
What is the empowerment group NOT?
The empowerment group is NOT a crisis stabilization service. 24-hour confidential help from victim advocacy organizations can be found on the Resources tab of our website; CAPS offers a 24-hour mental health support line as well as crisis appointments as available during business hours: (909) 537-5040
The empowerment group is NOT a batterer’s treatment or sex offender treatment program.
The empowerment group is a peer-support service designed for student survivors. We do not provide diagnoses or prescriptions. In some situations, group leaders may ask that you continue your treatment from your mental or medical care provider to participate in the group. We would be happy to coordinate care with your provider with your explicit written permission.
The empowerment group is a safe space. Attendees must be sober from when they arrive until they leave the group. Those who are intoxicated or under the influence will be asked to leave.
I am not a survivor, but I am curious to know what the group looks like. Can I attend?
No. The empowerment group is specifically designed for CSUSB students who have experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and/or stalking. To protect the safety and confidentiality of attendees, we do not allow observers. Reporters, journalism students, people interested in the professional role of victim advocates, and/or people attempting to educate themselves about sexual violence who are there to participate in the empowerment group will be asked to leave immediately.
My job on campus requires me to report crime information I hear about, or that is told to me (examples might include RAs). Can I still attend the support group?
Probably. The empowerment group is confidential, and there are no exceptions. We require all participants to sign and abide by the terms of our participation agreement. So, if you can commit to keeping what you learn about other people in the group confidential, just like you would expect them to do for you, you are more than welcome to participate. If you cannot fully protect the confidentiality of group attendees (including name, all details about their victimization experience(s), and anything else they may share), you will not be able to participate in the empowerment group.
Other support groups and services specific to sexual assault and dating violence are available in San Bernardino, LA, and Riverside Counties.
Domestic Violence 24-Hour Chat & Hotline: (800) 799-7233
Sexual Assault 24-hour chat & Hotline: (800) 656-4673
Partners Against Violence (San Bernardino): (909) 885-8884
Riverside Area Rape Crisis Center: (951) 686-7273
Project Sister Family Services (Pomona): (909) 623-1619
Option House (San Bernardino): (909) 381-3471
House of Ruth (West End Inland Empire): (909) 988-5559