The Merrian-Webster dictionary defines “courage” as the “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere and withstand danger, fear or difficulty.”  Children who endure physical, sexual and emotional abuse have no choice but to find courage in order to survive.  However, even if the abuse stops once they reach adulthood, some of the effects of the trauma may still linger.

It is estimated that there are at least 42 million adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse in our country today.  It is also estimated that one in four girls will be sexually abused by her eighteenth birthday.

It is for these reasons, the Fannin County Children’s Center is pleased to announce a new service for female adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.  The “Courage Group” will be a free support group that will meet at the Children’s Center in Bonham each Tuesday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 pm, starting on April 3.  Sandy Hood will facilitate the group.

“We are pleased to be able to add this support group to expand the range of services offered as part of the mental health component of our Children’s Advocacy Center,” said Sandy Barber, Executive Director.  “Since our Children’s Advocacy Center was started in 1999, we have opened around 100 new cases every year.  Many of these child victims are now adults, but still struggling with the trauma of having been sexually abused as a child.”

Last fall, the Center added a Clinical Director position to the staff.  This part-time position is filled by Michelle Griffith, LPC.  Since adding this position, the center has seen an increase in the number of counseling sessions provided to victims and their protective family members.  Griffith also started group therapy for teenage girls who have been sexually abused.

For more information or to sign-up for the Courage Group, contact Sandy Hood at (903) 583-4339.  For more information about the teen group or other mental health services for child abuse victims, contact Michelle Griffith at the same number.