Two Somerset County authors will be heading to Washington, D.C., to speak at the national conference for the Association of Specialists in Group Work.
According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, there is a new victim of sexual assault in America every 107 seconds.
For licensed professional counselor Denise Lang-Grant of Bridgewater and licensed clinical social worker Irene Colucci-Lebbad of Basking Ridge statistics like this are a rallying cry, according to a news release.
Lang-Grant and Colucci-Lebbad will be speaking at the national conference for the Association of Specialists in Group Work in Washington, D.C., when it meets Feb. 18-20.
Both authored a new psychology book, "No More Secrets: A Therapist's Guide to Group Work with Adult Survivors of Sexual Violence," which aims to empower experienced and new counselors, psychologists and social workers using a step-by-step guide to conducting a psycho-educational group for adult survivors.
"The national conference draws experts from all over the country and we are thrilled that there is a recognition that not only is there nothing in the market like this book, but that psychologists, social workers and therapists are ready to address this growing problem," says Lang-Grant.
According to the authors, many clinicians are reluctant to tackle the topic of sexual assault and abuse due to a lack of knowledge or personal anxieties regarding the topic.
"Sexual assault is the only felony crime in this country where the victim becomes the first one under attack from the media and general public," says Lang-Grant. "As a result, victims carry misplaced guilt and shame which can fracture the rest of their lives. And if they do ask for help, many therapists are reluctant to address the sexual violence but would rather concentrate on the resultant depression, eating disorders, addictions, and broken relationships."
Colucci-Lebbad said "sexual violence is labeled the most underreported crime by the United States Department of Justice. It is often the deep secret that is often at the root of depression, substance abuse, and suicide attempts."
The authors have also been asked to address the annual conference of social workers to be held in Atlantic City in May.