This Free Retreat Center Helps Women Heal from Sexual Abuse

LEHI, Utah, Dec. 12, 2019 /PRNewswire/ —  The #MeToo era has helped empower women to disclose their experience with sexual abuse, the next steps toward healing are often unclear. The Younique Foundation has taken on the mission to answer the call. The nonprofit’s “Haven Retreat” is specifically designed for adult female survivors of childhood sexual abuse. The four-day retreat is filled with activities that provide participants with tools to help on their healing journey. The Younique Foundation is currently celebrating the 3000th survivor to attend its retreat.    

Participants at a Younique Foundation’s Haven Retreat participate in different forms of treatment to heal from childhood sexual abuse. (Photo credit: Younique Foundation)

Over four days, participants are treated as guests at a beautiful remote retreat where licensed mental health clinicians oversee the program. Classes are offered in a supportive community with other survivors. Classes include topics such as overcoming shame, practicing mindfulness, and healthy body image. Yoga and Muay Thai are also offered.

The retreat is fully funded through donations, attendance is 100% free to participants, including lodging and meals. Both retreat locations, Utah and Georgia, are accepting applications.  

“Somehow, in the course of only 4 days, The Haven Retreat gave me real happiness,” said one past participant.  “Although complete healing can be a long journey, I’ve learned that it’s okay to be a work in progress.”

University research found that The Haven Retreat significantly helps reduce the impacts of child sexual abuse. The study concluded that result outcomes of the retreat are comparable to receiving up to 15-24 weeks of group psychotherapy. On average, participants see a 23% reduction of PTSD symptoms, a 21% improvement in well-being, and a 9% increase in confidence that they can cope with their traumatic experience.

Hosting over 3,000 retreat participants signifies a milestone for the young nonprofit. Due to increasing demand, a 2ndretreat location was opened in Georgia this year. Participants fly to the U.S. retreats from all over the globe: Texas, Ohio, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and Costa Rica. The Younique Foundation offers a variety of healing resources for survivors in addition to the four-day retreat, including 39 peer-led support groups globally and online education. Women interested in attending The Haven Retreat may sign up directly at: www.youniquefoundation.org.

The Younique Foundation was founded by Shelaine and Derek Maxfield, who began a global mission after seeing a dire need of assistance for survivors of child sexual abuse. The organization also seeks to raise awareness about the epidemic that 1 in 5 children will be sexually abused before reaching the age of 18.

About The Younique Foundation
The Younique Foundation began in 2015. Retreat and support services are offered to adult female survivors of child sexual abuse. Coping skills, peer-led support groups, and education resources are available. The Younique Foundation is a public 501(c)(3) nonprofit that depends greatly on the generosity of the public. For more information, please visit YouniqueFoundation.org or DefendInnocence.org.

Author: Gender Equality Funding News

Philanthropy Women aggregates the most important gender equality funding news.

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