ASCA — Adult Survivors of Child Abuse Support Group

ASCA New York City is a support group for adult survivors of child abuse. We meet weekly to give one another emotional support and an opportunity for expression of feelings, thoughts, memories, hopes, insights, and education on the subject of child abuse.

Our meetings follow the Adult Survivors of Child Abuse (ASCA) program as designed by the Morris Center in San Francisco. The format is similar to that of 12-step programs with some significant differences. Similarities include directed readings, short and long shares, absence of cross-talk, and mutual support. Differences include the replacement of the 12 steps with a list of 21 steps that are more relevant to survivors of child abuse. For more information on our meeting format, visit the ASCA website.

What Is the Basic Meeting Format?

Opening Comments by Co-Secretaries, Readings
Presenter (maximum 15 minutes)
Feedback to Presenter (10 minutes)
Shares (maximum 5 minutes each)
Closure Comments
Announcements & Closing

What Do I Have to Do at Meetings?

You do not have to do anything. You do not have to introduce yourself and do not have to speak. You can just sit and listen if you like. This is a no pressure situation. We try to keep the atmosphere easy going and friendly.

How Many People Attend Meetings?

We average 20+ people per meeting.

What Types of Child Abuse Do You Discuss?

We discuss the whole gamut of forms of abuse including incest, sexual abuse by non-relatives, violence, emotional and verbal abuse, and neglect.

What Is the Demographic Background of Meeting Participants?

We have people of many races, religions, ethnic backgrounds, and life style choices. We have both men and women, most meetings with a 50-50 split by gender. Our participants cover the adult age range.

Can I Join?

We welcome any person who is recovering from child abuse except for those who are currently perpetrating abuse on others (See note 6 below.).

Our Meetings are classified as Open drop-in. This means that a newcomer to the ASCA meeting is always welcomed into the group. Participants come when they want. There is no set commitment to attending ASCA meetings and no requirement to participate. If you like, you can just get comfortable in your chair and watch.

To ensure cooperation and safety in our meeting, we observe the following guidelines:

Please arrive on time and remain until the conclusion of the meeting. Latecomers will be asked to wait outside so that speakers who are sharing are not interrupted. There are two opportunities for entry – 1) just prior to the main presenter about 10 minutes into the meeting, and 2) just prior to the share period approximately 35 minutes into the meeting. No one will be allowed in after this last time.
ASCA meetings are exclusively for survivors of physical, sexual, or emotional childhood abuse.

This is an anonymous meeting. Only first names are used.
What you hear today is told in confidence and should not be repeated outside this meeting.

We ask that no one attend our meeting under the influence of alcohol or drugs, unless the medication is prescribed by a physician.

ASCA meetings are not intended for survivors who are currently perpetrating abuse on others. Talking about past or present perpetrator type behavior is not permissible.

Language that is considered derogatory concerning race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or other minority status is unacceptable in our meeting.

By participating in this meeting we all agree to abide by the spirit of ASCA, our guidelines and any interventions by the Co-Secretaries.