A special series of support group meetings held in Morehead this summer will continue in the fall, according to organizers. The meetings, called Giving Grace, are for women who have been victims of sexual violence. Megan Neace is a behavior therapist at UK St. Claire, where the group is held. She said it’s a free opportunity for survivors to connect with and get support from women who have had similar experiences.

Neace said the group offers women a place to grow outside of other options like therapy, and participants often come to meetings with similar thoughts in mind.

“I feel so alone in this… No one understands me… I wish I could talk to someone other than just my therapist. I think just knowing that you’re not alone makes that support necessary. Just knowing that this has happened to other people, that validation, that encouragement, that support,” Neace said.

Neace said she understands it is not easy to talk about these traumas, but participants get a lot back for their courage.

“I know how scary it is to go into something like this. But scary things can also be really good things. And I think having a community of people who have had similar experiences, people who want similar positive outcomes as you do, can be a really positive and hopeful thing,” Neace said.

Neace said the meetings are an ongoing way to encourage success for survivors in the area and to meet a need she has seen in the community. Any women who may need additional support are welcome to attend. Giving Grace meetings are held every other Tuesday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Room 102 of the CHER building in Morehead. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, August 27.

Nationally, people needing help can call RAINN or the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network hotline at 800-656-HOPE.