Looking for a male support group in central Iowa, does anyone know of any? Been searching for awhile with little luck.

thanks in advance,

lars

lars,

The very first group I did was through 'Victim Services'in Des Moines, that was seventeen years ago. It was for male survivors of sexual assault.

Another resource might be, if Iowa State has a "Men's resource Center."

I live in MA now, but the suggestion was made to contact the colleges in search of a group. They had one here through the Men's resource Center.

Lutherain Hospital...no idea what they all themselves now, but ten years ago they seemed to be changing over to "Behavorial Health" with the affiliation to Methodist Hospital. Thirteen years ago there was a therapist trying to start a men's group there.

You might try "The White House" believe it or not, on Pennsylvania Ave., there in Des Moines. It is the headquarters for AA or, was. They might have some insight on a good day.


:-)


Dave

thanks dave! calling ISU tomorrow, only half an hour away so taht would be great.

I tried ICASA in Des Moines, the state's sexual assault hotline, but it wasn't much help...

I appreciate the help a ton,

lars

lars,

I know Iowa State is closer but if you do not have any leads out of there...the Victim Services program use to run out of the Harold Hughes rehab section of the county hospital over on Hickman. Hmmm...what was the name of that hospital? Begins with an H???

I use to run back and forth between Marshalltown and Des Moines everyday. Back before it was a four lane.

Good luck!!!


Dave

Victim Services is now part of Polk County Public Health, a different name, but still there. I'm going to call them Monday and see what I can find out.

ISU has a variety of programs, but most are for students, so looking more toward Des Moines.

Thanks a ton. I really appreciate it.

Ken (aka lars)

Hi Ken,

Did you find a group?

No such luck as of yet. The only groups my T is familiar with are for AA or SLAA, no basic support groups for survivors in general.

Still looking, but not finding a whole lot in the middle of Iowa. Victim Services has been of little help. I called last week again and they said they'd have someone get back to me, but still nothing. Hoping to call again today if I can get the time.

lars

Is Victim Services simular to rape crisis centers that largely serve female victims of sexual assault? Why aren't they at least calling back? Do they have groups for women and not men?

There are people who should be handling us. I'm trying to understand what factors prevent it.

I hope you can find what you are looking for. Perhaps you could start a group if you're in a populous area.

Victim Services is primarily for women. And they do have groups for women, but apparently none for men.
As for not calling back, they say the same thing each time I call. They'll have someone look into it for me a give me a call back later.
But, I will keep trying and searching.
Thanks Shadow.

Thank you very much Lars. That's very interesting to me. This situation fits the pattern of social service agencies who claim to offer services for both men and women, and who's funding requires it, but in fact, no such services are available.

There are exceptions, but this is a predominant pattern.