How to Start and Facilitate a Support Group for Victims of Stalking

Chapter 4Facilitator PreparationsThis chapter discusses how facilitators can prepare themselves for running a stalkingsupport group, including obtaining necessary training, determining facilitator skill sets, andexamining personal readiness to run a support group.The Facilitator’s RoleThe term “facilitator” here describes an individual who leads a stalking support group. Thefacilitator’s role depends on the group’s purpose and goals. The role of facilitator could includeorganizing meetings, leading discussions, encouraging members to contribute, fostering groupdecision-making, and arranging for experts and partners to speak at meetings and contribute tothe work of the group. Often the facilitator is the group organizer and may have been involvedin assessing community resources for stalking victims, seeking out and screening group members,establishing formal community partnerships, raising any needed funds, and choosing aco-facilitator to help run the group meetings.TrainingTo conduct a stalking support group, even experienced facilitators need specific information ona variety of subjects. They need to be informed about stalking, community resources, and workingwith stalking victims who have different experiences. First-time facilitators need all thisinformation, as well as training on group dynamics and facilitation skills.Training on group dynamics, how to facilitate a group, and how to work with stalkingvictims with different experiences is available from a variety of sources. New facilitators canread books and articles about support groups, group processes, and group facilitation strategies.In addition to the information presented throughout this guide, facilitators with limited informationon stalking and intimate partner violence may be able to attend a local domestic vio-21