Improving policy and practice responses for men sexually abused in childhood

Abstract

A significant number of men in Australia are victim/survivors of child sexual abuse. While a growing number of services offer therapeutic support and counselling for men, the issue of men's sexual victimisation has not become a public policy issue. It is suggested that conceptualising and responding to male sexual victimisation as a public health issue, will help to improve community responses to men and their families. Key Messages: ?? Although there is a growing body of evidence and research on male victim/survivors of child sexual abuse and its impacts, it has not yet become the subject of a considered public policy interventions. ?? A public health approach that taps into learning from work with female victim/survivors and recent men's health strategies offers a framework for action that has the potential to assist male victim/ survivors of child sexual abuse. ?? Male victim/survivors of sexual victimisation are a diverse group with diverse needs. Evidence suggests that in order to support healing and recovery it is necessary to create gender appropriate services and interventions that: -- reach out and engage men; -- address barriers to men's help seeking; -- assist men and their families to build supportive relationships; -- provide opportunities for group support; and -- develop public discussions that offer hope for an improved future.