GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The growing awareness of sexual abuse by faith leaders is leading to an unprecedented program for West Michigan.
On Thursday, the YWCA in Grand Rapids will hold its first group therapy session specifically for survivors of sexual abuse by faith leaders.
The YWCA started the group because clients who were abused by church leaders felt they needed a different type of therapy.
“We had a couple clients who were abused by faith leaders and they brought it to our attention that there wasn’t a support group and a way to build community and work towards their journey other than one-on-one therapy,” said Becky Mills, a counselor at YWCA.
The YWCA program is open to all genders. People can share as much or as little as they would like.
hile the program is a first for the area, there are similar groups across the country.
Mills, who will lead the discussion, says she is using insights from the established groups and customizing the program to the needs in the local community.
The support group will offer a safe and confidential space to share, along with therapeutic tools and resources for participants.
Mills says she hasn’t experienced any real push back from the diocese.
“I spoke directly to someone from the diocese and they did seem open,” she said.
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