SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVOR SERVICES

Helping survivors find the resources, support and treatment to heal

Empowering sexual assault survivors to heal through advocacy and counseling

More than one in three women have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact at some point in their lives. Similarly, nearly one in four men experience sexual violence. Our sexual assault counseling and advocacy services are designed to help survivors explore options, become aware of resources, gain support and engage in services that promote healing.

Sexual violence violates a person’s trust and compromises their sense of safety. It’s a crime motivated by power and control that often has a long-lasting impact on the survivor. Children who experience sexual assault are very likely to develop mental health challenges to try to cope with their past trauma. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children who are victims of sexual assault are four times more likely to abuse drugs, develop PTSD and experience major depression as an adult.

We believe that all individuals deserve safety and respect. Sexual assault often inflicts major psychological trauma upon victims. Survivors are often overwhelmed by feelings of turmoil and confusion. Our sexual assault counseling and advocacy programs are committed to helping survivors get the support they need to recover.

Sexual Assault Survivor Advocacy Services

Firefly Children and Family Alliance is committed to advocating for sexual assault survivors. In the wake of a sexual assault, it’s often difficult for survivors to address the trauma and seek treatment. Our sexual assault advocates are available to assist and support survivors in understanding their rights, provide information on options and next steps, discuss safety and support survivor’s decisions. Advocacy services are available at any stage of the healing process; there is no time limit on when to engage in services. All our sexual assault advocacy services are free and confidential. We provide services to all survivors, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age or disability. Our sexual assault advocates are also trained to work with the LGBTQ+ community and male survivors. Bilingual (English/Spanish) staff are available to provide services in Spanish. Services are available using an interpreter for all other languages.

Our sexual assault advocacy services include the following:

  • Phone and face-to-face advocacy: advocates can meet with individuals in our office or at a safe community location
  • Emotional support, including support during forensic exam at local Centers of Hope
  • Assistance with protective orders
  • Court advocacy
  • Guidance through the criminal justice system
  • Safety planning
  • Community resource referrals
  • Support for loved ones
  • Secure space to discuss feelings and needs
  • Educational and prevention programs
Sexual assault advocacy services
Sexual Assault Support Groups

Sexual Assault Support Groups

Firefly Children and Family Alliance offers free and confidential counseling to individuals affected by sexual violence. Counseling services are offered to survivors and their loved ones. Our sexual assault counselors tailor their treatment to suit survivors’ specific needs.

Support groups can be an incredibly valuable way for survivors and their loved ones to reflect on their experiences. Our support groups are designed to remind survivors of their strength and resiliency, and ultimately, to help them heal. Support groups offer sexual assault survivors an opportunity to speak out about their experiences and regain a sense of independence in a confidential and safe environment. Support groups are a place for survivors to connect with others who have similar experiences. These groups are facilitated by staff and volunteers. They are not therapy-based.

We currently offer the following sexual assault support groups:

Closed Support Group for Survivors of Sexual Violence (Female-Identifying)

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What is a sexual violence survivor support group?
The agency’s sexual violence survivor support group is a place for adult survivors of sexual violence to gather for understanding, comfort and support.
Who can attend?
The group is for any female-identifying survivor who has experienced sexual violence of any kind throughout their lifetime.
When and where are the support groups held?
The support group will meet weekly for ten (10) weeks. Participants must pre-register, and new attendees will not be added once the ten-week series has begun. We will communicate the exact location and time to attendees once registration takes place.

Closed Support Group for Parents of Children Who Have Been Sexually Abused (Gender-Inclusive)

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What is a parents’ support group?
This group is for non-offending parents of children who have been sexually abused. This is an opportunity for parents to discuss their experiences, share ideas and provide emotional support to one another.
Who can attend?
Any non-offending parent(s) of children who have been sexually abused can attend.
When and where are the support groups held?
The support groups will meet weekly for eight (8) weeks. We will communicate the exact location and time to attendees once registration takes place.

Open Support Group for Adult Survivors of Childhood Abuse (Gender-Inclusive)

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What is ASCA?
Adult Survivors of Child Abuse (ASCA) is an international self-help support group program designed specifically for adult survivors of physical, sexual and/or emotional abuse or neglect. ASCA was created by the Norma J. Morris Center, which is a non-profit 501c3 organization run by volunteers. For more information about the Norma J. Morris Center and ASCA, you can visit ascasupport.org.
Who can attend?
This group is for adults of all gender identities who have experienced physical, sexual and/or emotional abuse or neglect. Group members cannot currently be perpetrating abuse on anyone else.
When and where is this support group held?

This support group meets weekly. We will communicate the exact location and time to attendees once registration takes place.

Closed Boundaries Group (Female-Identifying)

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What is a boundaries group?
This is a group for female-identifying adults who want to learn and explore the topic of boundaries. Group members will learn how to define boundaries, including what constitutes healthy and unhealthy boundaries. Group members will explore the state of their own boundaries and gain tools to help set and defend healthy boundaries in all their relationships.
Who can attend?
This group is for female-identifying adults who may have experienced abuse in relationships or who simply want to learn about healthy boundaries.
When and where is this support group held?
This support group will meet weekly for six (6) weeks. We will communicate the exact location and time to attendees once registration takes place.

Open General Trauma Support Group (Gender-Inclusive)

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What is a general trauma group?
The agency’s general trauma support group is a place for adult survivors of trauma, particularly violence or other abuse, to gather for understanding, comfort and support.
Who can attend?
This group is for adults of all gender identities who have experienced trauma, particularly violence or other abuse. Group members cannot currently be perpetrating abuse on anyone else.
When and where is this support group held?
We will communicate the exact location and time to attendees once registration takes place.

Closed Support Group for Teen Survivors of Sexual Violence (Female-Identifying)

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What is a teen sexual violence support group?
This group is an opportunity for teen survivors of sexual violence to come together in a safe space to share their experiences, receive information and resources and build a peer support network.
Who can attend?
This group is for female-identifying teen survivors between the ages of 14-17 who have experienced some type of sexual assault or violence.
When and where are the support groups held?
The support group will meet weekly for eight (8) weeks. The parent/legal guardian and their child must meet with an advocate to register prior to joining a group. New members will not be added once the 8-week series has begun. We will communicate the exact location and time to attendees once registration takes place.

How to Get Started

To learn more about our sexual assault advocacy, counseling or support groups in Marion County, submit the form below or call 317-634-6341. If you are experiencing a crisis related to a sexual assault in Marion County, call our crisis line 24/7 at 833-338-SASS (7277). If you are outside of Marion County and are experiencing a crisis related to a sexual assault, please contact the RAINN national hotline at 800-656-4673.