For over 30 years, the Arlington Youth Counseling Center has facilitated First Step, a group for survivors of domestic violence. First Step has provided a critical haven for women who have experienced domestic violence, meeting weekly in a secure location. Today, the group is run by a clinician and a co-facilitator.  Referrals come from the police, by word of mouth, doctors, therapists and other support groups. First Step is a place where survivors receive support, but also importantly give support to others with shared lived experiences. While the First Step clinician and co-facilitator provide a safe, therapeutic space for group members, the support the women receive from one another is invaluable to their healing. Being able to help others is critical to one’s sense of self-worth and healing, as is the sense of community that is created. The themes that most often come up are those of reclaiming power and agency, which are universal. Perhaps the most salient outcome is that women move on from the group when they feel that they have gotten to a place in their healing where they no longer need the group.  

Call for more information: First Step: (781) 316-3219