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Live Abundantly

Abundance is a support group to help victims become survivors and communicate in the recovery of sexual abuse. Their mission is to support, empower, validate, and educate survivors, as well as their families and supporters.

Fee Rocha, who grew up in central California, is now a resident of Sidney and a survivor of sexual abuse. It was her experience that prompted the organization of Abundance. Rocha, along with the cooperation of DOVES, a victims advocacy program, began organizing the support group after coming to terms her past and its effects on her future.

“I was a victim of sexual assault as a child,” Rocha said. “It affected me throughout my life. I felt ashamed, dirty, and unworthy of love. I have worked with a therapist for the last year and finally reached a turning point where I let go of the shame and guilt that comes with being a victim of sexual assault, and now, it is my turn to help others.”

Rocha saw the need for a support group after she shared her story on social media. Rocha said she was surprised by the feedback and the other survivors that came forward.

Victoria Williams, program coordinator for the Cheyenne and Kimball County DOVES program quoted some statistics from the Center for Disease Control, one in six American woman will be a victim of an attempted or completed rape in their life.

Williams said sexual assault is any unwanted advances, up to rape and any sex without clear consent. Williams went on to stress that clear consent is coherent consent, without being under any influences.

“A lack of consent is still a no,” said Williams.

Williams said statistics show only three percent of men sustain an attempted or completed rape, but she believes that men may have a harder time coming forward due to the stigma that they face.

Rocha created the name Abundance, with the motto “Don’t just survive, live an abundant life.”

“I felt that God has blessed me with abundance through the process of healing, and I want to share that with others,” Rocha said.

Rocha said that there are many reasons victims of sexual assault do not always come forward - out of fear of the unknown, fear of repercussions, blame, guilt or denial to name a few. Because of that Abundance offers people a safe place to find their voice and begin the road to healing.

Williams said the support group is free and confidential to all affected by sexual assault.

The Church of Christ has donated space to the group and Abundance will meet the first and third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. beginning Sept. 19 and 20. The Church of Christ is located at 2651 11th Ave. in Sidney.

Rocha said you can find Abundance on Facebook or call the Abundance group for more information at 307-223-5701.

 

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