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Printer-Friendly ModeGroup works with sexual assault victims in Greenville, South Carolina
March 20, 2006 —
As part of the Alternative Breaks program, 11 students traveled to Greenville, South Carolina over spring break to work with girls suffering from the effects of sexual assault.
The girls, aged nine to 21, live at a large ranch-style group home called Crossroads, where they receive both counseling and schooling during their stay.
"Our main objective was to just view what a group home was like for the girls," said co-site leader Nick Tereck. "I wanted our participants and myself to really get a feeling for what it's like to have gone through such a horrific and tragic experience."
Part of the students' experience involved participating in several activities with the girls. Some students helped tutor them in their schoolwork while others had the opportunity to sit in on some of the group counseling sessions.
Throughout the activities, the students had to be cautious of how they interacted with the girls. The group was advised not to become emotionally attached, since their departure a week later could be difficult for the girls to handle.
Since many of the girls do have difficulties trusting others, Crossroads utilizes horses as a form of animal-assisted therapy to help the girls build trusting relationships. Some of the students had the opportunity to work with the girls and the horses during these sessions as well.
In addition to working with the horses during sessions, the students also worked with them outside of the sessions. Since the few workers at Crossroads focus the majority of their attention on the girls, the students took the opportunity to do some projects around the ranch. The students painted and stained fences and also got the chance to groom some of the 17 horses housed on the ranch.
Since returning from Crossroads, the group has already begun to plan how they will utilize their experiences. They are currently making plans to work with the local Underground Railroad but are first planning on holding a clothing drive for the girls staying at Crossroads.
In the end, Tereck believes everyone involved with the trip was able to take something away that they can use to help their community.
"I think it's really important that people learn about this issue," Tereck said, "and learn about the things (victims) go through so that they understand."