The Advocacy Center of Tompkins County offers a variety of groups for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. All groups are free and confidential. (with these exceptions: our staff are mandated to report child abuse and neglect, and required to seek additional help if someone is believed to pose an immediate risk to themself or others.) Participants must meet with a group facilitator prior to group participation.
Please note, we are not able to offer all groups all of the time. Groups listed below are ones we typically offer over a year. (for pdf click here)
For more details, please do any of the following:
- Fill out our Group Interest Form
- Email us at info@actompkins.org
- Call our Advocacy Center offices at 607-277-3203
Survivor Empowerment Group (SEG) – ongoing
SEG is a weekly group for adults who identify as currently experiencing or having experienced intimate partner violence. This discussion-based drop-in peer support group will provide a safe space to share with, learn from, and listen to other survivors. Topics will vary to include talking about common issues such as power and control, trust, healthy relationships, impacts of abuse, self-care, and well-being as survivors.
Teen Survivor Group – weekly based on school calendar
Our Teen Survivor Group This weekly group is for teens who identify as survivors of sexual abuse/assault, teen dating violence, or severe family violence. This group is a space to meet other teen survivors, learn and practice self-care, how to set healthy boundaries, ways to cope with stress, and develop strong support systems. Click to download pdf: Teen Group Flyer
Knowledge is Power (KIP) – offered twice a year in spring and fall
KIP is for adults who identify as currently experiencing or having experienced intimate partner violence. KIP meets once a week for about 10 weeks and covers a range of topics, including understanding abusive and controlling behaviors (power and control wheel), impacts of partner abuse on survivors and their children, red flags, creating family safety plans, self-care, and healthy coping skills.
Mothering through Domestic Violence (MTDV)
MTDV is for mothers who identify as a survivor of domestic violence by a former intimate partner. This group covers a range of topics including ways that domestic violence impacts family dynamics, developmental impacts of trauma on children, lessons that mothers learned in their childhoods, helping children heal, and strategies to strengthen effective parenting. This group will honor and enrich children’s and women’s resiliency.
Befriending Your Nervous System
This group is for adults who identify as survivors of dating/intimate partner violence, sexual assault, rape or child sexual abuse. This psychoeducational group offers participants the opportunity to learn about how trauma and extreme stress impact the nervous system and how to use this information to support coping.
Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Group
Peer support group for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Group participants have the opportunity to talk with other survivors about their experiences in a safe and supportive space, free from judgment. All participants need to be working with a therapist and facilitators will assist participants with finding a therapist if needed.
Sexual Assault Group: Making Space focuses on exploring stress responses that can emerge after traumatic experiences. Stress responses can manifest in ways that affect our thoughts, emotions, and behavior. We will be learning about how to recognize these triggers and discuss ways to regulate ourselves and promote overall well-being.
note: flyer is from Fall 2025