Survivors of sexual abuse and assault are at high risk of using drugs and alcohol to cope with the devastating effects of sexual violence. In order to prevent substance abuse, MOCSA will provide 300 individual and group counseling sessions to 50 survivors of sexual assault and child sexual abuse. Effective treatment will reduce the trauma symptoms that place survivors as a higher risk for drug and alcohol use initiation, disorders and dependency.

In addition to serving 50 Jackson County residents with group and individual therapy sessions, MOCSA will measure the effectiveness of the treatment with scientifically validated methods. Seventy percent of clients participating in therapy will experience reduced trauma symptoms of PTSD, and 70% will experience reduced symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder related to higher risk of drug and alcohol use (as assessed by the PCL-5 for adults and UCLA Reaction Index for children, and the GAD-7 for adults, respectively).

MOCSA uses a holistic approach to respond to victims’ needs. Therapists integrate the use of a continuum of cognitive and body-based therapy methods, in both group and individual treatment plans. These include research-driven treatment modalities such as yoga, art therapy, play therapy and sandtray therapy, all of which are shown to connect with and heal parts of the brain that are affected by sexual trauma. These treatments are effective for both children and adults and are particularly useful for clients who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally in a traditional, conversation-based therapy setting. Though these methods have been used in MOCSA’s counseling department previously, the enhanced incorporation of these methods in augmenting TF-CBT, EMDR and DBT will increase resiliency for survivors of sexual violence and decrease their likelihood of using substances to cope.

COMBAT Funding: $32,463.84