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

AppendixSample CurriculumThe following curriculum was written for stalking support groups that address both theemotional and educational needs of group members. The majority of the curriculum topics relateto the group’s educational function. The group fosters emotional support through facilitatorsencouraging members to connect every topic to her or his individual experiences, thoughts,and feelings. The facilitator encourages members to think about and discuss how stalking affectsthem physically and emotionally. This approach helps facilitators develop group continuitywhile addressing topics in a way that is meaningful and relevant to individual members.The sample curriculum is available for facilitators to draw from as needed; they can adaptany sections that seem useful to their communities. Some groups may add other topics, such asstalking in diverse communities, stalking and mental health, or stalking in communities withspecial needs. Facilitators may also find that some group sessions require changing the agendaentirely because the group wants to focus on a recent high-profile stalking case or a currentevent that occurred in the community. The sample curriculum is meant to be a flexible tool thatfacilitators can use in any way they find helpful.37