For people who were sexually abused as children – roughly 20% of the adult population – certain life events can be particularly difficult. Among these are pregnancy and birth, as well as their child reaching the age at which they (the parent) were first (or first recall) being sexually abused.
The Lilac Programme is the only programme of its kind for parents who were sexually abused as children. It was devised, designed, created, and run, to address the very specific needs of this cohort. The programme runs for twelve weeks, with each meeting lasting two hours. Each week, a different issue that directly impacts on parents, is addressed, with input invited from each participant – rendering the Lilac Programme more a series of workshops than a series of lectures. The information in the meetings is supported by worksheets/exercises which participants are invited to complete between meetings. At the end of the twelve weeks, the participants are encouraged to continue meeting for monthly support groups.
The model is quite a unique one – offering support at two points during the week between meetings, and limited to a maximum of eight participants per group.
The Lilac Programme includes all of the following:
Meetings
Twelve weeks of facilitated two-hour meetings.
Each meeting is focused on a specific theme pertinent to parenting after child sexual violence.
Each meeting follows a format and is agenda-led.
Between Meetings
Each participant is emailed worksheets after the meeting. These worksheets support the work done in the meeting – offering further opportunities for reflection, introspection, and exploration of the theme that was discussed.
Mid-way between meetings, participants will receive a check-in email, to see how they are emotionally.
The day before the next meeting, details of the next topic will be emailed to participants.
Participants
The maximum number of participants is eight, parents, or parents-to-be.
Continuing Support
Upon completion of the programme, participants can avail of ongoing, online, facilitated, peer support.
What Others Have Said:
“Doing this programme made me move through my pain much quicker. I still had to do the work, but it was easier to do it with Hazel and the other women.”
“I was able to say things in this group that I never said to anyone else – not even any of the therapists I’ve had over the years.”
“I never thought I could be so honest about my sex-life and how the abuse has affected it. Because of this programme, I’ve been able to have frank conversations with my husband – and (after 23 years of marriage) we’re having the best sex of our lives!”
“I was more vulnerable in that room – with Hazel and the other men – than I ever have been in my life. It was really empowering. :)”