Healing Retreats

 “We belong to our childhood just as we belong to a country.”

 “All grown-ups were once children – but only few of them remember it.”

                                                                                                                                             Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

When a child suffers physical, psychological, or sexual violence, their entire personal development is called into question. What can we do to help the 300,000 children who are victims of violence in Switzerland? What can we do when prevention and repression are no longer enough?

It was to answer these questions, and to fill the gaps in support for victims of sexual violence, that Innocence en Danger was founded in 1999.

Around the world, child protection efforts mainly focus on prevention and prosecution. Innocence en Danger (IED) was the first association in the world to focus its efforts on the emotional reconstruction of victims by supporting them through specially designed therapeutic resilience retreats known as IED Resilience Stays.

Originally, resilience refers to a metal’s ability to withstand pressure and regain its original form after being deformed. In psychology, resilience is defined as the ability to live, succeed, and grow despite adversity (source: B. Cyrulnik, neuropsychiatrist).

Various trauma studies have shown that every human being can develop natural resilience to trauma, provided they can rely on at least one protective adult.

IED’s Resilience Stays – 26 years of expertise : Help Heal Trauma, Restore Futures

Innocence en Danger is an international non-profit organization founded by Homayra Sellier in 1999, following her mission to create the “Global Movement for the Protection of Children” for UNESCO.

Having recognized the limits of post-trauma therapeutic approaches for minors, the association specializes in organizing annual, tailor-made resilience retreats for children who have suffered sexual violence.

Over 10 days, IED welcomes around twelve to 20 children in the Swiss Alpes, each child is accompanied by protective parents and the sibblings to participate in a summer camp filled with fun activities and multiple workshops centered on art therapy and connection with nature and animals.

Each stay is customized to meet participants’ specific needs. Every therapist is carefully selected by our committee, and the program built accordingly. The goal is to help children rediscover joy, develop creativity, learn emotional regulation, rebuild social ties, and — above all — understand that life can once again be beautiful, and that there are ways to face everyday challenges.

IED’s Label 

The University of Applied Sciences of Koblenz (Germany), in collaboration with IED Germany and IED Switzerland, conducted an in-depth study of the therapeutic benefits of these these resilience stays. From 2010 to 2013, Professors Daniela Braun and Dr. Catherine Kaiser-Hylla meticulously analyzed six IED retreats (three in Switzerland), leading to the awarding of an official quality label.

(Full report available in German.)

Swiss Professionals’ Testimonials

Dr. Claudia Jankech, FSP specialist in child and adolescent psychology and psychotherapy:

“I had the opportunity to participate in one of these resilience stays. It allowed me to witness their deep psychological benefit. These moments help traumatized individuals rebuild secure, nurturing relationships through the professionals and volunteers involved — real ‘resilience tutors.’

Abuse often results in low self-esteem, as victims feel powerless and blame themselves. Neuroscience shows that the stress caused by abuse affects brain development and can lead to emotional and cognitive impairments.

It is therefore crucial for abused children, adolescents, and adults to experience environments that allow them to rebuild positive emotional ties. Through immersion in nature and the kindness of accompanying adults, participants regain confidence and feel valued. The framework of these Swiss Alps retreats gives victims enriching experiences on which to rebuild. Thanks to brain plasticity, victims can create new positive memories that lesnew positive memories that lessen the weight of traumatic ones, allowing for a more serene functioning after trauma.”

Dr. Raymond Traube (†), child psychiatrist and family therapist:

“I discovered IED’s resilience retreats in 2004, thanks to artists who led workshops for children who had suffered sexual abuse. I accompanied a ten-year-old boy I had been treating for three years. After just a few days, I witnessed a complete transformation — he was no longer aggressive, he was joyful… he had simply become a child again!

We were all amazed by the beneficial effects achieved in such a short time — results we had never seen through traditional therapy, even after years of treatment. I have continued to participate every year since and encouraged Homayra Sellier to continue this extraordinary work.”

Cost of a Resilience Stay

A stay costs on average CHF 1,000 per day per family. All expenses — including therapists, meals, lodging, and transportation — are fully covered by Innocence en Danger.

These stays rely entirely on donations, yet fundraising has become more difficult in recent years, yet the need for resilience retreats continues to rise sharply year after year.

Our Mission

Innocence in Danger is an international non-profit dedicated to protecting children from all forms of violence, especially sexual abuse. Founded in 1999, we work to fill critical gaps in victim support by going beyond prevention and prosecution: we champion the emotional recovery of child survivors.

Why Resilience retreats ?

Each year, over 300,000 children in Switzerland experience physical, psychological, or sexual violence. Official reports show only a small fraction receive help — with thousands left without access to the recovery that could change their future.

Our Resilience Stays are unique, 10-day therapeutic retreats in the Swiss Alps. Designed for children who have suffered sexual violence and accompanied by a protective adult, they combine art therapy, nature immersion, and individualized care. These programs help children rediscover hope, rebuild trust, and reclaim their joy and creativity.

Proven Results

Academic research from the University of Applied Sciences of Koblenz confirms our methods work. Children leave with stronger self-esteem, better emotional regulation, and positive bonds that help them thrive beyond trauma. Swiss psychologists and child psychiatrists regularly praise the lasting impact they witness—transforming young lives in ways traditional therapies often cannot.

The Challenge

The economic burden of child trauma is immense, costing up to 4% of the annual GDP in European countries. But for affected children, the cost is far greater: missed opportunities, stolen happiness, compromised futures. With demand rising and fundraising challenges, we rely ever more on supporters like you.

Our Pledge

Your donation enables us to:

- Host more Resilience Stays each year;

- Build a Center of Excellence to spread proven techniques among child protection professionals across Switzerland and beyond;

- Ensure more children in need—regardless of background—receive complete support, free of charge.

Costs

A complete 10-day stay for one family averages CHF 2000 per day. This includes therapy, lodging, food, all activities, and transport—so families can focus entirely on recovery.

How You Can Help

Supporting Innocence in Danger is more than a donation. It’s saving lives, strengthening families, and investing in society’s future. Every contribution brings children closer to healing—building generations of resilient, healthy adults.

- Support Innocence in Danger: Make an immediate, lasting difference.  

- Join our cause: Take concrete action for a safer world for children.  

- Help us create a better society—for your children, for all children.

Contact & Donation Details:

Innocence in Danger, Av. de l’Université 24 – c/o La Cité Business Nucleus, 1005 Lausanne  

Bank Account: 30-38105-1 -  Saanen Bank -  Promenade -  CH-3780 Gstaad  

IBAN: CH23 0634 2016 1141 7780 1  

 The innocence of children is our most precious gift. Help us protect, heal, and empower them today.

IID's Resilience Retreats: An Essential Step in Recovery for Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Resilience retreats play a crucial role in the therapeutic journey of children and adults who have suffered sexual violence in childhood . One in five children in Europe is estimated to be a victim of sexual violence, according to the Council of Europe . These abuses cross cultural and geographic boundaries and represent one of the most widespread violations of human rights . The long-term health consequences for survivors are profound, including an increased risk of suicide, addiction, further victimization, or perpetrating violence, and significant reductions in life expectancy.

Traumatization and Symptoms

Most survivors of childhood sexual abuse develop complex psychotraumatic symptoms—psychological, neurobiological, and physical . Trauma affects the entire being of the child, causing persistent hypervigilance, anxiety, eating and sleep disorders, an impaired sense of self, isolation, and sometimes, suicidal thoughts or attempts. Many survivors experience dissociation, flashbacks, and memory lapses due to overwhelming stress and nervous system responses that act as protective mechanisms. Persistent societal silence and denial often delay access to care, increasing the risk of severe, lifelong consequences .

The Role of Silence and Social Mechanisms

Children are vulnerable to abusers who use manipulation, threats, and social standing to maintain silence and exploit their victims’ vulnerability. Abusers often isolate, devalue, invert guilt, and create an environment where disclosure is extremely difficult, leading to further harm and social stigma . The resulting post-traumatic stress is complicated by recurring feelings of loneliness, guilt, mistrust, and fear, particularly if there is no early intervention.

The Importance of Timely Care and IID's Resilience Retreats

Immediate and sustained intervention is shown to reduce post-traumatic symptoms and help survivors regain trust, security, and self-esteem . Since 2002, organizations like Innocence En Danger have offered resilience retreats to support both children and adults through art therapy, horse-assisted therapy, and other integrative approaches . These programs help survivors reconnect with their emotions, express themselves safely, and relearn personal boundaries and self-protection skills.

Therapeutic Activities and Social Support

Therapeutic methods such as equine therapy, yoga, nutrition counseling, music therapy, and creative arts help survivors process trauma, break cycles of dissociation, and foster emotional and physical recovery. The presence of a supportive, multidisciplinary team and shared experiences among survivors is crucial, allowing individuals to shed feelings of isolation and understand that their symptoms are real and valid . The healing environment—calm, natural, and nurturing—enhances recovery, enabling participants to experiment with positive emotions, attachment, self-trust, and resilience.

The Lasting Impact and Need for Specialized Care

Effective resilience retreats are those that extend over several sessions and integrate follow-up therapeutic care. All professionals involved must be trained to work with sexual violence and trauma to best address survivors’ complex needs . Building secure attachments and supportive networks is often a missing piece in survivors’ childhoods, which these programs strive to restore. Activities are tailored to address trauma symptoms, support mind-body healing, and promote long-term psychological and physical recovery.

Conclusion

IID Resilience retreats, as implemented by Innocence En Danger and similar organizations, offer powerful, multidisciplinary support for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. They address psychological and physiological trauma, enhance self-confidence, promote emotional expression, and rebuild essential bonds, empowering survivors toward lasting recovery . These programs represent a critical intervention for victims who, even years after the abuse, may still desperately need comprehensive support.