Including male student voices - Support Survivors

Participants from many cultural communities around the world spoke of the silence and other barriers confronted by male survivors. On the other hand, participants highlighted that solutions to violence against women must include and address male gender norms in conversation with men. Men’s experiences of sexual violence in both of these respects should be considered in university responses to SA/SV.

Delving Deeper Resources

Why I’m Done Trying to be Man Enough (Justin Baldoni, TEDWomen, 2017)

"Justin Baldoni wants to start a dialogue with men about redefining masculinity -- to figure out ways to be not just good men but good humans. In a warm, personal talk, he shares his effort to reconcile who he is with who the world tells him a man should be. And he has a challenge for men: 'See if you can use the same qualities that you feel make you a man to go deeper,' Baldoni says. 'Your strength, your bravery, your toughness: Are you brave enough to be vulnerable? Are you strong enough to be sensitive? Are you confident enough to listen to the women in your life?'"

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A Call to Men (Tony Porter, TEDWomen, 2010)

"At TEDWomen, Tony Porter makes a call to men everywhere: Don't "act like a man." Telling powerful stories from his own life, he shows how this mentality, drummed into so many men and boys, can lead men to disrespect, mistreat and abuse women and each other. His solution: Break free of the 'man box.'"

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Violence against women- it’s a men’s issue (Jackson Katz, TEDxFiDiWomen, 2012)

"Domestic violence and sexual abuse are often called "women's issues." But in this bold, blunt talk, Jackson Katz points out that these are intrinsically men's issues -- and shows how these violent behaviors are tied to definitions of manhood. A clarion call for us all -- women and men -- to call out unacceptable behavior and be leaders of change."

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Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Assault Reveal and Important Truth

This video is part of the 1in6 campaign, named to recognize the fact that at least 1 in 6 men have been sexually abused or assaulted. Many other videos have also been produced by this organization featuring men telling their stories.

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Community Resources

Man Talk
Man Talk is "A confidential, emotionally supportive group for male victims of sexual abuse." The webpage explains that "ManTalk is offered in an open format; once someone completes an intake he is welcome to attend as often as he likes. Many members come for awhile, take a break, and return as needed. We meet twice monthly. [...] Men who are not yet ready or otherwise not a fit for group are usually offered individual counselling." See the link for contact information. Man Talk is located in Halifax Regional Municipality.
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Gender-Based Violence Prevention Project (YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth
As explained on this page, "Made possible thanks to the support from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth launched a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Project (GBVP) through the YMCA Centre for Immigrant Programs. The project began in September 2017 with a focus on working with newcomer children, youth, and families to raise awareness about gender-based violence and how to access available resources within their community. The project also focuses on capacity building of service providers to engage, support and better understand how gender-based violence impacts newcomer communities. Programming developed through the GBVP focuses on building healthy relationships, strong families, and providing information about preventing gender-based violence." This program has effectively engaged young men as well as young women.
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Moose Hide Campaign
As stated on the website, “The Moose Hide Campaign is a grassroots movement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous men and boys who are standing up against violence towards women and children.” The website presents numerous larger and smaller ways for individuals and institutions to get involved.
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1in6
"The mission of 1in6 is to help men who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences live healthier, happier lives. [Its] mission also includes serving family members, friends, partners, and service providers by providing information and support resources on the web and in the community." 1in6.org hosts weekly chat-based support groups that can be accessed through this website.
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