Recognizing male victims/survivors
In education and awareness campaigns, highlight the fact that a significant percentage of men have experienced sexual violence in their lives.
The reality and silencing of male survivors were topics that arose in many of our focus groups. This was particularly surprising, as our focus group interview guide did not include any reference to male survivors. In some cases, participants told us about male survivors they had supported in the past. Explicity recognizing this reality is important so that male university community members who have experienced sexual violence do not feel marginalized by educational strategies. This may also help create an environment in which male survivors are more willing to seek support, and more likely to receive support from their male peers.
Delving Deeper Resources
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Reaching and Engaging Male Survivors of Sexual ViolenceOffered by the National Sexual Violence Resource Centre (NSVRC), the webpage Reaching and Engaging Male Survivors of Sexual Violence provides an overview of the barriers to support-seeking among male survivors as well as links to several useful "Resources on Working with Male Survivors" and media to raise awareness about this issue in a wide range of mediums and formats.
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Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Assault Reveal and Important TruthThis 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.
Community Resources
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Man TalkMan 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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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.