Aurora support groups provide a safe space for victim/survivors of sexual assault and relationship violence. Facilitated by Aurora staff, weekly support groups offer a nonjudgemental environment to connect with others and discuss topics like coping strategies, stages of healing, healthy relationships, and more. These groups are open to all University of Minnesota Twin Cities and Augsburg University students, staff, and faculty, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation.
Interested in joining an Aurora support group?
- Check out our group offerings below and fill out the Interest Form (if linked for your preferred group), or email [email protected] to request additional information about how to join.
- After completing the Interest Form, a group facilitator will email you with additional information prior to the next group session.
- If support groups are full, we can still connect you to our services so you can join a group the following term.
- All groups will be offered with enough interested participants, so please reach out even if a group is not indicated as currently offered.
- We are not currently running support groups during summer 2026; however, please reach out if you are interested. If we receive enough interest, we may initiate a support group.
- Fall support group will begin in mid-late September.
Commonly Offered Support Groups
Aurora offers support groups based on demand. Below are groups we have offered in the past, but not all are active each semester. Email [email protected] to inquire about current offerings. While our support groups are designed with specific identities in mind, all are welcome.
Sexual Assault Survivors Support Group
The Sexual Violence Survivors Support Group is for individuals* who have experienced sexual violence (rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse, groping) and are looking for a supportive space for participant-led conversations centered on connection and healing. We focus on the impact that trauma and violence can have on our daily lives.
*All are welcome. This group will be most relevant to individuals who identify as women or who have been socialized into "womanhood," including cis women, trans women, and AFAB trans/non-binary/intersex folks.
Please fill out the Interest Form and a group facilitator will email you for an intake appointment.
Healing After Relationship Trauma Support Group
For individuals* who have experienced relationship/intimate partner/domestic violence. We focus on the impact of the violence on our daily lives by exploring how power and control was utilized to harm in a past relationship.
*All are welcome. This group will be most relevant to individuals who identify as women or who have been socialized into "womanhood," including cis women, trans women, and AFAB trans/non-binary/intersex folks.
Please fill out the Interest Form and a group facilitator will email you for an intake appointment.
Survivors of Color Support Group
For women* who identify as people of color and have experienced sexual violence and/or relationship violence. We discuss intersectionality as it relates to trauma and healing and provide support and validation as we continue to navigate oppressive and often retraumatizing systems.
*All are welcome. This group will be most relevant to individuals who identify as women or who have been socialized into "womanhood," including cis women, trans women, and AFAB trans/non-binary/intersex folks, and who also identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC).
Queer Survivors Support Group
For Queer individuals* who have experienced sexual violence and/or relationship violence and are looking to receive support in community.. Please complete the interest form and a group facilitator will reach out to you.
*All are welcome. This group will be most relevant to individuals who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, or Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA2S+).
Men's Support & Dialogue Group
For individuals* who are interested in topics like healthy masculinities, consent, personal experiences of violence, and more.
*All are welcome. This group will be most relevant to individuals who identify as men, male, or masculine.
Off-Campus Support Groups:
If you are not a current student, staff, or faculty member with the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities or Augsburg University but are interested in joining a support group, please consider the following agencies that offer support groups: