A special series of support group meetings held in Morehead this summer will continue into the fall, according to organizers. Called Giving Grace, the meetings are for women who are survivors of sexual assault. Megan Neace is a Behavioral Health Therapist for UK St. Claire, which hosts the group. She said it’s a free opportunity for survivors to find connections and support with women who have had similar experiences.
Neace said the group gives women a place for growth outside of other avenues like therapy, and participants often come to the meetings with similar thoughts running through their minds.
“‘I just feel so alone in this… No one understands… I just wish that I could talk to someone other than just my therapist.’ I think just knowing that you’re not alone, is the need for that support. Just knowing this has happened to other people, that validation, that encouragement, that support,” said Neace.
Neace said she understands it’s not easy to talk about these traumas, but participants get a lot in return for their bravery.
“I know how scary it is to go to something like this. But scary things can be really good things too. And I think that being able to have a community of people who have similar experiences, people who want similar positive outcomes as you can be a really positive and hopeful thing,” Neace said.
Neace said the meetings are an ongoing way to further the success of survivors in the area, filling a need she saw in the community. All women who may need extra support are welcome to attend. The Giving Grace meetings take place every other Tuesday and take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in room 102 of the CHER building in Morehead. The next meeting will be Tuesday, August 27.
Nationally, people who need help can call RAINN, or the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network hotline at 800-656-HOPE.