Working with males who have experienced childhood sexual abuse

Abstract

This chapter aims to introduce human service professionals to theoretical concepts that guide practice responses to males who have experienced childhood sexual abuse. Central to the considerations is the visibility of survivors’ experiences and knowledge. The chapter outlines practice responses based on men’s own stories obtained through research interviews and practice experience. The increasing awareness of sexual abuse in our community has resulted in an increase in demand for support services. Human service professionals have a central role in facilitating a hopeful process that will help men to separate from the effects of childhood sexual abuse. This involves offering individual support and fostering greater community awareness. The connection between sexual victimisation and subsequent sexual offending is often portrayed in the community with simple causal explanations. The fact that the majority of men who have experienced childhood sexual abuse do become sex offenders is rarely publicised.