The Sexual Abuse Of Males

I am a researcher and therapist with a doctorate (Ph.D.) in clinical psychology. I have studied the lasting effects of child abuse and have expertise in several related areas, including the long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse in men.

I am an independent consultant in several areas (e.g., forensic, see Professional Services), and a Clinical Instructor of Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry of Harvard Medical School.

I was a founding board member of 1in6, Inc., a nonprofit devoted to helping men who've had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences as boys live happier, healthier lives; I authored the pages of 1in6.org from 2008 through 2011. I am also on the board of directors of Stop It Now!, a nonprofit that prevents the sexual abuse of children by mobilizing adults, families and communities to take actions that protect children before they are harmed.

Here are the reasons I have published this page:

1. To help those looking for resources on the sexual abuse of boys and the lasting effects of childhood sexual abuse in the lives of men.
2. To provide resources for men who were sexually abused in childhood and want to know what professional researchers and therapists have learned, without having to read scholarly journals and books.
3. To provide resources for girlfriends, spouses, partners, friends and family members of men who were (or may have been) sexually abused in childhood.

Here are some key messages for men who were sexually abused in childhood:

• You are not alone.
  
• You can educate yourself.
  
• Other guys struggle with their masculinity too.
  
• There are people who understand what you're dealing with and can help.

Read much more HERE

Male Victims of Sexual Abuse Face Unique Challenges

While both male and female sexual abuse victims struggle with shame and stigma, stereotypes about masculinity often force men to wrestle with unique issues.

"Males, especially as children and youth, are less likely to disclose abuse," Elizabeth Saewyc, a professor of nursing at the University of British Columbia who helps create individualized programs for the treatment of abused children, told LiveScience. "Because a lot of our stories about men is that they're sort of in charge sexually, when there is sexual abuse it really undercuts all of our social scripts. It is not only a violation of a boy's boundaries and their most personal autonomy, that biggest right to privacy of the self, but it also contradicts their sense of masculinity."



Original Male Victims of Sexual Abuse Face Unique Challenges