This is a question I'm asked a lot, but I don't have a lot of experience doing so. The only support group I've set up is safe-support, an online support group (directions for joining are at the SAFE help page).

Do any of you have any experience in setting up a support group, and if so, what steps would you recommend taking while setting up a group?

-- Anonymous, June 02, 1999

Answers

HI JADE! MY NAME IS DAVID RODGERS I AM ALSO TRYING TO SET UP A SUPPORT GROUP BUT FOR MALE VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE GAY AND STRAIGHT. I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE RESOURCES WITH YOU AND SEE I REALLY AM LOOKING FOR A CURRICULUM TO COVER. MY ADDRESS IS PO BOX 3087 FAIRFIELD, CA 94533

-- Anonymous, June 30, 1999

For the advertising side of things, SAFE can definitely help out (e- mail me). Any other advice you have would be well appreciated, especially if you could post it here.

Ja

-- Anonymous, June 30, 1999

I run a counseling group for men and my web site does counseling for any man. Http://www.mendingfences.on.ca I would be glad to assist any one wanting to set up a support group if they e-mail me specific questions. Scott Elliott /Founder Mending Fences Support Services for Men Inc.

-- Anonymous, July 01, 1999

I have been considering starting some sort of group for men in our area. I have been a victom of abuse. My wife has been denied the mental help she needs because of a misguided and very aggressive womens shelter. Because of this I have talked alot divorced men in our area. There is a great need for a stop to gender bais. Even though these men may or may not have been abused or been abusive they have had there rights stomped on by an unfair system. I currently live in fear with my doors locked with no protection. Any help or ideas on how to start a group that could change preceptions?

-- Anonymous, August 08, 1999

I don't want this to sound too much like a "me too" post, but I'm trying to gather together materials to start up a male victim's support group... I currently facilitate a women's batterer's group and a women's victim support group for a major DV facility in central Illinois, and I've been making the push to include groups for men OTHER than the men's batterer groups... I'm looking at trying to take the materials I already have for my women's group and turning it more gender-neutral, but most of what I'm stuck with where I'm working is based on the Duluth program... I've moved my groups quite a ways away from the "shame-and-blame" stuff, but I'm still having a hard time finding some men-related materials that don't put the man in the role of the abuser... Any assistance in pointing me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated...

-- Anonymous, December 20, 2001

Well, a lot has happened since I first posted my question.

First of all, if you're interested in starting a support group, you should probably join the safe-admin mailing list. Directions for doing so are on the safe4all.org website.

Second, there are several people who are developing alternative treatment programs (i.e. not based on the Duluth model). Ask on the safe-admin list, and you'll probably get several responses. Stop Abuse For Everyone is currently evaluating several of these programs, and we'll be testing them out in one of our chapters very shortly.

Third, if you're interested in being a part of Stop Abuse For Everyone, you might consider joining, or forming a local chapter. SAFE itself can provide some institutional support, and we'd be happy to help you set up services in your area. Directions for starting a local chapter are also on the webpage.

-- Anonymous, December 21, 2001