Support Groups

Our support groups provide the opportunity for women to come together, share their experiences and learn from each other.

Very often women are in different stages of an abusive relationship. It is a great comfort for women who have been isolated by abuse to come together, gain knowledge about domestic violence, learn that they are not alone, gain decision-making strength from each other, and break the isolation that some have endured for years.

HAWC sponsors and facilitates ongoing weekly support groups for women in the community throughout our service area. These groups are held in Lynn, Salem, Beverly, Gloucester, and Ipswich. Five of these groups serve special populations: i.e., Spanish speaking, battered lesbians and women with substance abuse problems.;

In order to serve the most women we offer groups both in the morning and evening. Some of the morning groups provide daycare for children so the mother will know that her children are safe and with her. Morning groups are held in Salem, Lynn and Gloucester. All groups are free and drop-in. Locations are available only through our hotline.

Counseling

HAWC offers free individual sessions for women who are victims of intimate violence. Our one on one meetings are based on the empowerment model, utilizing a problem-solving approach.

The goals of HAWC's One on One program are:

• getting emotional and physical safety

• making personal choices and options

• gaining a greater understanding of the impact of domestic violence on themselves and their children

Some issues addressed during a session are immediate safety planning, community resources and HAWC resources. 

HAWC provides alliance and advocacy for safety.  Acceptance and validation of a battered woman's experience are an integral part of meeting with a HAWC advocate.

For information on support groups please call the hotline (978)744-6841.