The University of Lynchburg’s HEART Project will host a session on “Tending the Wound of Sexual Abuse” with Dr. Anthony Delmedico at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 3, in room number 232 in Schewel Hall. The program is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.

Held to recognize National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the event will focus on how to deal with the aftermath of sexual abuse. Delmedico, a psychotherapist who specializes in trauma and has worked with sexual assault victims of all ages, will explain what happens after someone is abused, what they can do about it, and what to expect in the months and years ahead.

In his 2022 book “Tending the Wound of Sexual Abuse: An Introduction,” he discusses how to deal with challenging experiences after sexual abuse. He also provides psychoeducation and safety information for people ages 15 and older. Short chapters teach readers how to work with triggers, post-traumatic stress disorder, nightmares, depression, anxiety, and other symptoms.

The book is provided free of charge to crisis centers, agencies, and organizations that help sexual assault victims, who also benefit from any donations and book sales.

Delmedico has a doctorate in depth psychology with an emphasis on depth psychotherapy. A private psychotherapist in Raleigh, North Carolina, he also is the founder and executive director of First Haven, a nonprofit that provides timely psychological self-help resources to people ages 15 and older who have experienced sexual abuse.

Delmedico holds membership in the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits, End Rape on Campus, the North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Abuse, and the Me, Too Movement.

Lynchburg’s HEART Project aims to provide Holistic Empowerment through Advocacy, Response, and Training by creating comprehensive solutions to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The HEART Project is supported by grants from the Office on Violence Against Women at the U.S. Department of Justice.

For more information, contact the HEART office at heartproject@lynchburg.edu or 434.544.8122.

• This event is free and open to the public.
• University to host session on ‘Tending The Wound of Sexual Abuse’ Oct. 3