SOS Sexual Violence Services

Free and confidential services for victims of sexual violence, their partners, families, friends and other concerned persons.

• Provides 24-hour crisis services, information and referrals.
• Support and information when reporting assault or seeking medical care.
• Medical advocacy during exams or while receiving medical care.
• Legal advocacy on filing a police report or other legal issues.
• Safety planning involving shelter.
• Open support group meetings.
• One-on-one short term counseling.
• Assisting with financial concerns.
• Community education.

SOS support groups are in-person and facilitated by sexual assault advocates. These support groups do not replace therapy, but they can be a good addition to your healing. If you would like, we can provide referrals to therapists who specialize in sexual violence. It is helpful in therapy to share with your therapist that you are attending a support group.

Caregiver Support Group

An open group in collaboration with SOS and Minnesota Children's Resource Center (Children's Hospital); designed to provide ongoing support to all parents and caregivers of children and teens who have experienced sexual abuse. This group educates, supports, and empowers non-offending caregivers to better support their children in healing from abusive experiences.

Survivors Support Group

A closed group specifically designed for victims/survivors of sexual violence over the age of 18. Our primary objective is to aid in your healing process by offering a combination of psychoeducation, resources, emotional support and a safe and confidential environment to share your personal experiences.

The 12-week program is carefully designed around specific topics that address various aspects of recovery. Each week, we focus on a different theme to ensure a well-rounded approach to healing. These topics include:

• Sexual violence.
• Emotional support. 
• Managing anger.
• Dealing with trauma and triggers.
• Regaining control.
• Healthy boundaries.
• Self-care.
• Safety.
• Building trust.
• Finding hope, empowerment and resilience.

Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions to benefit from the group experience fully. This support group offers a unique platform for members to engage in open dialogue with one another. Facilitators are present to guide the conversation, but they are not the driving force behind each discussion.

Aftercare Support Group

A safe and open group designed to connect and support survivors on their healing journey. The group is open to survivors who have completed a support group or have sone some healing work independently. Survivors can join the group anytime during their recovery process and continue to benefit from its support and connection.

The group's primary focus is healing through:

• Fostering hope.
• Building healthy boundaries and trust.
• Enhancing resilience.
• Rediscovering oneself.
• Practicing self-care and healing movements.

The ARTS Support Group

A closed group for those who identify as a victim/survivor of sexual violence over the age of 18. This unique group combines psychoeducation and various art forms within a community-based social support healing model.

The Art Support Group is structured for 10 weeks with suggested topics:

• What is sexual violence.
• Effects and coping skills.
• Healthy relationships.
• Anger.
• Sexuality and intimacy.
• Flashbacks and automatic responses.
• Grief and loss.
• Guilt and shame.
• Empowerment.
• Safety.
• Self-care.

Although a facilitator will guide the structure, the Art Support Group is peer-led, and topics are subject to change based on the individual needs and desires of the group. It is requested that those interested in attending can commit to at least 7 out of the 10 sessions to contribute to the community healing and connection of all participants. This group is only offered in person. No artistic background, experience, or skill level is required and all materials will be provided for you.

Sign Up Today

If you are interested in joining any of our support groups, please complete the support group interest form.

Improving community response to the problem of sexual violence, and creating a society that is violence free.

• Ramsey County Sexual Assault Protocol Team
• Safe Harbors Youth Intervention Project

Sexual violence is a Public Health issue that impacts everyone, directly or indirectly, and results in long term social and economic costs. Effective prevention efforts use different approaches to change communities, shift social norms, end oppression, and promote norms of equity, consent and safety for all.

Sexual Violence Prevention Committee

This committee is dedicated to being part of the solution to shift the culture and prevent the onset of sexual violence perpetration. Primary prevention requires that we make the connection between all forms of oppression (including racism, sexism, homophobia, ableism, adultism, ageism and others) and how these create a culture in which inequality thrives and violence is seen as normal. 

Learn more about the Sexual Violence Prevention Committee

Articles and research 

• Sexual Violence is Preventable
• Risk and Protective Factors for Perpetration
• STOP SV: A Technical Package to Prevent Sexual Violence

Local, state and national programs working to raise awareness and prevent sexual violence in the community.

• Sexual violence prevention and response