Central MN Sexual Assault Center

You are invited to join us for the next Women’s Support group this afternoon from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm. This group will focus on empowerment, self-care, and self-esteem and was created for adult female survivors of sexual violence.

We hope to see you here at 15 Riverside Drive NE St. Cloud, MN 56304!

We hope to see you at Lake George tonight, as the Central Minnesota Sexual Assault Center (CMSAC) will have a table at the event with a chance to win a can coozie or candy if you answer our family friendly and age-appropriate trivia questions correctly!

Photo Credit (Summertime by George Facebook page)

Did you know that CMSAC provides services to Military Sexual Trauma (MST) survivors?

If you or someone you know is not sure what to do after experiencing MST, you may want to consider speaking with a civilian sexual assault advocate. CMSAC provides confidential and free services to both survivors who have experienced some form of sexual violence and to those who know or care for a survivor, (i.e., secondary survivors). CMSAC advocates can help survivors to identify their options and provide support after MST has occurred. CMSAC advocates can accompany survivors of MST to the hospital and to local law enforcement centers (if a survivor decides to report to law enforcement after an assault occurs).

Long term care after MST: CMSAC provides one-to-one support counseling for any survivor of MST. Our one-to-one support counseling services provide a place for the MST survivor to process feelings and gain emotional support. Our one-to-one support counseling services also contain an educational component where MST survivors can learn more about reporting and health care options, common feelings after experiencing sexual violence, healthy relationships, and coping skills. CMSAC can also assist the MST survivor in safety planning and filling out and filing for a restraining or protective order.

If you or someone you know experienced Military Sexual Trauma (MST), below is a new resource available to help you on your healing journey, provided by www.safehelpline.org.

For more information on MST resources and information, click here: https://cmsac.org/support-services-for-mst-survivors/

We hope you have a great 4th of July! If you need us, our advocates are available 24/7 by calling (320)-251-4357!

The National Center for PTSD has created a phone app designed to help you track and manage your symptoms after experiencing something traumatic. Tools include meditation, imagery, and positive affirmation exercises.

Did you know that “94% of women who are raped experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms during the two weeks following the rape” (rainn.org)?

Learn more about and download the PTSD Coach app here: http://bit.ly/2sF16W4

We hope you can join us tomorrow from 3:30-5:00 pm for the next session of our women’s support group. This support group focuses on helping survivors gain power and control in their lives, as well as learning self-care/coping skills.

We hope to see you tomorrow at 15 Riverside Drive NE in St. Cloud!

Did you know that CMSAC can assist you in finding and setting up sessions with a therapist that specializes in trauma and/or has experience working with survivors of sexual violence?

CMSAC’s sexual assault counselors/advocates are not licensed therapists. However, our free and confidential one to one support counseling can be very therapeutic and provides psychoeducation on areas such as: common feelings after a sexual assault, the neurobiology of trauma, healthy relationships/boundaries, sexual exploitation/trafficking, coping with nightmares and flashbacks, safety planning etc.

Many of the clientele we serve find it helpful to work with a therapist, in addition to meeting with one of our sexual assault counselors/advocates. Advocates are available 24/7 at (320) 251-4357 to provide information on the differences between our one-to-one support counseling services and meeting with a therapist. In addition, advocates can help you navigate and decide which options are best for you.

For more information on working with a therapist after experiencing sexual assault, click here: https://www.rainn.org/news/working-therapist-after-sexual-assault-what-you-need-ask

Want to learn more about how to support a survivor of sexual violence?

Join us tonight for the Concerned Person’s Support Group from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm at 15 Riverside Drive NE St. Cloud, MN 56304!

We hope you will join us on June 15th from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm as we celebrate United Way’s 50th anniversary at Lake George!

CMSAC will be tabling at the event with family friendly trivia questions for all ages. We hope to see you there!

This free event is “open to the entire community, this family night out includes children’s activities (inflatables, balloon artist and more), food vendors, beer garden, and prizes! Forty local companies and nonprofits will have booths with family-friendly activities.”

“Entertainment includes Sean Emery, funny guy jugglin’ stuff at 4:30 pm and a free concert from 32 Below at 6:00 pm.”

To follow the event on Facebook, click here: http://bit.ly/2r0bhmr