Jail offers program to inmates healing from sexual abuse trauma in effort to address recidivism

MORGANTOWN, Ky.-Butler County Jail is partnering with Hope Harbor to help inmates heal from sexual abuse trauma. The new program offers free therapy sessions to inmates while they are incarcerated.

Survive to Thrive launched in December, after prison staff saw a disheartening trend among the inmates, especially those who re-offend.

As more inmates came forward seeking out help in dealing with sexual abuse, staff at the jail and at Hope Harbor started to recognize the need to increase efforts.

“We would usually receive three to four referrals a month from Butler County Jail, and the support group was always something that was in the back of my mind and one of my primary goals. They’re shown to be the most effective way to support, empower and help survivors heal that are in that detention setting,” said Serenda Lobue, systems advocacy specialist at Hope Harbor in Bowling Green.

Since Survive to Thrive has started in December, Loboe has seen a lot more inmates open up about their experiences with sexual abuse.

 “Especially in Kentucky a lot of males and females, but especially females who are currently incarcerated on non violent drug-related offenses, have disclosed that they were victims of either childhood sexual abuse, or sexual abuse as an adult as well,” said Lobue.

Those involved with the program hope that the free therapy sessions will keep the inmates from becoming repeat offenders.

“This has been very inspiring to me, because I see people want help, and they believe in the program, and they believe that they’re going to get better. They are also opening up to us and telling us about problems that they’ve never told us in the past,” said Tara McMillin, Class D Coordinator at Butler County Jail.

The program has allowed jail staff to deepen their relationships with inmates.

“After every session I’ve had inmates in tears, and they are thanking us for being able to offer them something that they’ve need their whole life,” said Mcmillin

The program aims to keep people from re-offending after being released from jail. Group therapy sessions are offered to both male and female inmates.