SARN’s 2014 Annual Retreat for Sexual Assault Survivors promotes a unique opportunity for support and help on October 25, 2014
Survivors will gather on October 25 for HelpLine’s Annual SARN Retreat focusing on growth through courage and hope. Each year SARN hosts the retreat for women only survivors to connect and continue the healing process. Sexual Assault Response Network (SARN), a program of HelpLine of Delaware and Morrow Counties, Inc.(HelpLine), assists survivors at the hospital and with law enforcement immediately following an assault, provides advocacy for survivors who may have been assaulted years ago, and connects all survivors to the resources. Survivors of sexual assault can experience a wide variety of reactions to a traumatic event. Even if the assault happened years ago, the individual may still have lingering issues that interfere with proper self-care and personal development.
The retreat creates a safe space to explore growth with others who have a shared experience. Participants will learn to enhance their strengths through empowering activities, receive tips on self-care, and be encouraged to nourish parts of themselves that may need extra care to fully heal and recover in a confidential, fun, safe, and supportive environment alongside other survivors. The event is free to attend. All materials and lunch will be provided.
Past participants have many positive comments about their experience, here are a few:
- “I learned that it is NOT my fault and to stop blaming myself!”
- “I finally feel like I am not alone.”
- “Beautiful event, very inspiring.”
- “This whole day just filled my heart with warmth, I learned so much, and, I made some new friends.”
The event will take place in Delaware, Ohio from 10:00am to 3:00 pm. Location and other details of event will be provided with registration. To register, call or email Nora Flanagan at 740.363.1835 ext. 105 Nflanagan@helplinedelmor.org or visit www.helplinedelmor.org.
Thank you to all who made this year’s retreat another success! The feedback has been once again very positive, and the knowledge that even just a decade ago events like this didn’t exist in our community, was brought up over and over again, citing this event as an invaluable resource. As always we are here all year round as well! Here is to continued hope and healing for all.