The Advocacy Center of Tompkins County offers a variety of groups for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Please note, we are not able to offer all groups all of the time, what follows are the groups we typically offer throughout the year.
All groups are free and confidential. (With these exceptions: our staff are mandated to report child abuse and neglect. We are also required to seek additional help if someone is believed to pose an immediate risk to themself or others.)
Meeting with the group facilitator is required prior to group participation. For more information about Advocacy Center groups, please do any of the following:
- Use our Group Interest Form
- Email us at info@actompkins.org
- Call the Advocacy Center office at 607-277-3203
Knowledge is Power (KIP) – New Class Starts in October
KIP is for adults who identify as currently experiencing or having experienced intimate partner violence. This psychoeducational group 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.
Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Group – New Group starts in October
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.
Free, full day workkshop for male survivors of child sexual abuse – November 8
We are excited to welcome Mike Lew, M.Ed., a renowned psychotherapist and author of Victims No Longer, the first book written specifically for men recovering from sexual child abuse, to Ithaca for three events! Learn more and register: www.mhaedu.com/mike-lew
- Community Conversation Thursday Nov 6 (download flyer)
- Clinical Training Friday Nov 7 (download flyer)
- Male Survivor Workshop Saturday Nov 8 (download flyer)
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 Group – Ongoing. Meets weekly during the school year for teens who identify as survivors of sexual abuse/assault. 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.
Mothering through Domestic Violence (MTDV) – Winter 2026
This is a group for mothers who are not currently in an abusive relationship but who identify as a survivor of intimate partner violence. This psychoeducational 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.
Sexual Assault Group The fall 2025 group for survivors of sexual violence has closed, If you are interested in a future Sexual Assault Group, call 607-277-3203.
Making Space will meet once a week for four weeks, and focus 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.
Campus Based Support Groups – Planning now for Ithaca College group, Spring 2026
These groups are for students who identify as survivors of dating/intimate partner violence, sexual assault, rape or child sexual abuse. Group participants will have the opportunity to talk with other college student survivors about their experiences in a safe and supportive space, free from judgment. Group session topics are based on participant interests and provide a space to build community and connect with additional resources.
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.