Welcome to Courageous Corner
Courageous Corner is a free peer support group comprised of others who have similar experiences. It's facilitated by a trained peer who also has experienced sexual violence. The group is a sisterhood or brotherhood that creates a place where you are safe and understood. Here you can receive support for your journey towards the life you want to lead and help others do the same.Brave Step’s Mission
Brave Step empowers individuals who have been impacted by sexual violence. To shape a strong, supportive community, we:
- Provide personalized services that help adults impacted by sexual violence reclaim the life they deserve.
- Foster brave public conversations about sexual violence; and
- Cultivate courageous changemakers.
No matter how long ago the abuse occurred, help is still available and can make a dramatic difference in the lives of survivors. Unlike the law, there is no statute of limitations on receiving support.
Courageous Corner Schedule
Women’s Group:
- Virtual: Meets the first Wednesday of every month.
- In Person: Meets the third Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8:00 p.m. It takes place at Elemental Healing Charlotte (5200 Park Road, Suite 200).
“Thank you for creating such a safe space to share and find continued healing. I really enjoyed last night and just wanted you to know that I slept better last night than I have in years. I am so glad to have found my people. I have been looking for you for years. Thank you!“
– Courageous Corner Participant
WHAT TO EXPECT IN COURAGEOUS CORNER
The survivors in Courageous Corner are 18 years old or older. It is an informal setting that allows you to share as little or as much as you are ready to share. There is no pre-arranged agenda or topic (although topics that the group is interested in may be discussed). It is really about what would be helpful for the members to talk about that day. The facilitator assures that everyone is allowed to speak as they wish, keeps everyone safe and provides information the group may ask for.
Courageous Corner is an open group. That is people may join at any time. There may be times someone does not want to come, or cannot come, and that is fine.
What you can expect is:
- Support from others who have walked a mile in your shoes.
- Hear other “me too” stories that inspire you and remind you that you are not alone.
- Have the opportunity, when you are ready, to share your experiences and help others.
- Strengthen yourself as you make your journey.
ARE YOU RIGHT FOR COURAGEOUS CORNER?
When you first contact Brave Step, we will help you decide if Courageous Corner is the right experience for you to have. Courageous Corner is not led by a therapist, but is often something we recommend before, during or after therapy.
- Courageous Corner is best suited for individuals who have developed a basic level of coping skills. While therapy is not a pre-requisite, we have found that many who have not had therapy may not be equipped with the coping skills that are essential to peer group engagement.
- Peer support is largely built on trust amongst members. While Open Forum Courageous Corner is an open group, it is important that members who attend, attend with as much consistency as possible.
- Individuals experiencing flashbacks or have frequent suicidal thoughts are best served in a group setting managed by a trauma therapist.
- Participants who are overwhelmed or confused by cross talk often find peer support group not an ideal fit.
Rules/Guidelines
- Whatever is said in the group stays in the group. The single exception is if you are having thoughts of harming yourself or others, or if you have been harming a child/elderly person.
- Be respectful of fellow group members.
- Share with the group. Learning is a two-way street.
- Be a good listener.
- Give others a chance to talk.
- Embrace one another’s differences.
- Do not assume you know how someone feels about an issue.
- Be mindful of the group’s beginning and ending time.
- Group is appropriate for individuals 18 years and older.
- This group is considered sacred space regardless of religious, political, or social views. Each individual is unique with their own set of values and beliefs. These are personal and should never be forced upon another or used to make anyone feel inadequate or uncomfortable, even unintentionally. It is essential to make sure the group remains a safe haven for those who come to seek support while dealing with the traumas experienced in their lives.
- Confidentiality is paramount to the success of the group. Therefore, if someone shares outside of the group names, details, etc. in regard to other members that participate in Courageous Corner, that member will be asked to leave and not participate in future meetings.
- Brave Step’s Courageous Corner is free of charge to all participants.
- Courageous Corner is a survivor-led group thus medical advice cannot be provided. This is a place to find understanding, shared experiences, and support from people with similar experiences. This group is not a substitute for proper medical care.
- The group leader is not a therapist and has his/her own private life. They should not be contacted in emergencies or crises or for advice. Brave Step provides you with a contact for those purposes.
- For the safety of everyone here, please be mindful of the level of detail you share with your story. It could trigger another individual. If details are needed to share, let us discuss other options for care.
Online Group
Brave Step has a closed, private Facebook group available. This is intended for female survivors of sexual violence to share their testimony, ask questions, and be understood.
Additional Services
Brave Step custom designs its services to best meet the needs of an individual. Options for support include individual and group therapy with carefully selected therapists, empowerment programs and finding one’s voice by gaining the confidence to speak out.
Events & Activities
Keep up with the variety of programs, events and activities on our Events page.
Download Welcome Kit
To download this welcome kit, please click the button below.
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