The Domestic Violence Support Center (DVSC) not only serves individuals who are working to recover from their abusive experiences, but also partners with other local organizations to provide psychoeducational groups to support the growth and development of their clients. One such partnership is with an after school program for at-risk adolescents.
In a recent group session focusing on ‘healthy relationships,’ the subject of sexual relationships came up during the discussions and the participants, ranging in age from 14-17, actively engaged in an exploration of their beliefs around sex, including when and who they decide to have sex with (or not). After the group session, several of the teens thanked the presenter and asked when the next group would be. Fortunately, due to the ongoing collaboration the DVSC has with this program, the next group was already scheduled!
The program staff who were present also approached the DVSC facilitator and commented on how engaged the students were around such an intimate topic, and they were surprised at how readily the DVSC facilitator was able to establish a rapport with what many would consider a challenging population. The DVSC staff was not surprised, as this is what they often find: individuals who are working hard to improve their lives. And it’s why the DVSC provides high quality, highly trained professionals who can meet clients where they are at and hit the ground running!