FARMINGTON — Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Services (formerly known as SAVES in Franklin County) will host a support group for women affected by sexual assault or childhood sexual abuse. The 10-week group will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesdays beginning Sept. 24, and will be facilitated by Aimee Cecile, MSW.

The group will assist in the healing process by talking, listening, art, writing and learning skills to heal emotional pain. Individuals will learn to manage symptoms of traumatic stress by participating in creative activities that will help break the isolation and develop peace within them. No previous art or writing experience is necessary.

This group is free and confidential. For further information or to sign up, call the SAPARS office at 207-778-9522, or drop by the office on the second floor of the Holman House, 227 Main St.

For 30 years, the agency has helped people in Franklin County recover from the trauma of sexual violence. Through school and community based programs, the group works to raise awareness, educate and prevent sexual violence. In October of 2011, SAVES merged with two sexual assault services agencies in Oxford and Androscoggin Counties to create Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Services.

Visit www.sapars.org for more information. The statewide, toll-free, 24-hour Helpline is 1-800-871-7741.