Workshop series supporting survivors of sexual assault resumes Feb. 5

This spring semester, Ohio University is offering a five-part skills/support workshop for student survivors of sexual assault, dating/domestic violence and stalking. Delivered by OHIO’s Survivor Advocacy Program (SAP) and Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS), the series seeks to help people attain safety from trauma and directly addresses trauma, without requiring survivors to go into the trauma narrative (the detailed account of their specific trauma).

"We are really happy to be offering this service to student survivors at Ohio University,” said Kimberly Castor, director of the Survivor Advocacy Program. “We wanted to provide a safe space for them to learn tangible skills that they can use as they recover from trauma. Our hope is that this workshop is useful to student survivors and can be offered again in the future.”

Funding for the series was provided by the family of a student survivor, in gratitude for the support their student received.

“It was thrilling that SAP was recognized that way… The family and student were very happy that not only were we going to use that gift to serve others but that we were going to be working with Counseling and Psychological Services (who also supported the student) to facilitate that,” said Survivor Advocate Kristen “KC” Waltz.

The skills/support workshop is open to currently enrolled survivors, regardless of whether or not they utilized University services following their assault. The workshops will be held on Mondays from 3:05 to 4 p.m. beginning Feb. 5 and continuing through March 5. Students interested in joining the support group may contact survivor.advocacy@ohio.edu for more information and workshop location.