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S.O.A.R.Survivors of Abuse RecoveringA Community-Based |
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S.O.A.R.Survivors of Abuse RecoveringA Community-Based |
What is S.O.A.R.?S.O.A.R. (Survivors of Abuse Recovering)S.O.A.R. is a not-for-profit charitable society with two objectives. The primary objective is to provide peer counseling services to adult male and female survivors of childhood sexual abuse. The second objective is to provide education and insight into survivor issues to the public through workshops, seminars and presentations to community groups and organizations. What is a Peer Counsellor for Survivors of Abuse?Someone who has a basic understanding of the problems and struggles of other survivors because she/he has experienced childhood sexual abuse in her/his own life. Someone who has a desire to assist others in their healing process and through training has acquired the skills and information to enable her/him to counsel at a peer level. Both female and male peer counselors are available to provide the services to female and male survivors. In addition S.O.A.R. has female peer counselors qualified to peer counsel with adult male survivors. What are the effects of abuse?Though different for everyone, research has shown that there may be several long term effects from surviving the experience of childhood sexual abuse, which can impact on the quality of life of the adult survivor. Among these are:
How long has S.O.A.R. been in existence?S.O.A.R. started upon the completion of the first Peer Counseling training program in December, 1993. S.O.A.R. evolved from the vision of two Mental Health therapists, Rita vanVulpen and Deirdre O’Sullivan after they identified a clear need for peer counseling services to complement the existing services for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. They trained, inspired and supported a small group of female survivors to form S.O.A.R. There is a current membership of 15-20 female and male volunteer Peer Counselors. Services are currently available in Hants, Kings and Annapolis Counties. S.O.A.R.’s mandate covers the whole province and new chapters will start up as interest evolves. Statement of ConfidentialityA survivor can expect all information shared with the peer counselor to be held in confidence. The only exception is if the survivor at any time becomes an obvious risk, in that they plan to do harm to themselves or others. It is then the peer counselor’s duty to refer the survivor to the appropriate professional. The confidentiality guidelines will be discussed with the survivor at their first session so that they are aware of the consequences of this exception. What training is provided for members of S.O.A.R.?All of our Peer Counsellors, themselves survivors, are fully screened and are required to complete a 16 session training program led by a Mental Health professional and a S.O.A.R. trainer. The training emphasizes supportive, listening counselling skills and includes:
Peer Counsellors then become members of S.O.A.R. where ongoing education and training is provided through annual workshops, retreats and training seminars. Training in Group Facilitation and Training the Trainer is also available to S.O.A.R. Peer Counsellors through Mental Health Services, thus enabling S.O.A.R. to take an active role in the co facilitation of treatment groups for survivors as well as in the delivery of Peer Counsellor training. How is S.O.A.R. funded?S.O.A.R. is a volunteer driven not-for-profit charitable society. Funding has been received for Public Relations, Educational, Training and Support/Therapy Group projects from the following sources:
We welcome your contributions. S.O.A.R. is a registered charitable organization and will give tax receipts for donations. You can donate online using the link below, or you can mail a cheque to us.
Where do Peer Counsellors and those seeking our services meet?There are many safe locations throughout the Annapolis Valley where Peer Counselling can take place, including offices in hospitals and health centres, churches and family resource centres. Your peer counselor will arrange a time and a meeting space that will best accommodate the needs of both the peer counselor and the peer client. How to access a Peer Counsellor?Confidential Peer Counselling is available to female and male adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. A survivor can make a self-referral or have the help of a doctor, therapist, clergy, family member or friend, etc. To Confidentially Contact A Peer Counsellor
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S.O.A.R.
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