In 2023, we are introducing a new initiative to support Male survivors of Sexual Abuse…
Male Victims of Sexual Abuse Support Group
- Start Date TBC – Early 2023
- Every Friday from 10am till 11.30am
- The Peterhouse Community Centre, 122 Forest Rise, Walthamstow, London, E17 3PW.
Aims and Outcome
This group is aimed at giving men who have been victims of sexual abuse a chance to speak, within a safe space, about their experiences with other men who share similar experiences.
The group will give men a chance to:
- Openly talk about their experiences of trauma
- Develop positive and safe relationships
- Increase their self-confidence and self-esteem
- Increase their self-awareness and develop a better sense of self
- Better understand the use of power/abuse of power in relationships
- Feel empowered by being given a stronger voice
Group Set Up
- Up to 8 men + the Group conductor
- Group Conductor is a trained group analyst
- Slow, open group – new members can join after the group starts (if there is space); members can leave when they feel ready to do so and those in the waiting list can then join
- Weekly attendance for a minimum of 4 months
- Group will start in early 2023 and last for at least 32 weeks (with the possibility to continue after that)
Referral Criteria
- 18+ years old
- Victims of sexual violence, both historic and more recent
- Currently living in a safe space
- Able to travel independently to the group’s venue every Friday morning to attend the group
Referral Process
- Accepting self-referrals or referrals made by other agencies
- Request and complete referral form
- Arrange 2 assessment appointments (45 minutes each) with group conductor (FREE of charge)
- Arrange start date to join group
For more information or to ask for a Referral Form, please call Haven Network 0208 5200 755
Other useful information relating Male Sexual Abuse
As in many charities that support victims of abuse, Haven is founded by and run predominantly by women, but we welcome all survivors, regardless of gender.
We understand that domestic and sexual abuse does not only affect women and girls and there is plenty of Male Domestic Abuse & Violence happening in the world today.
If you have experienced abuse, whether as a child, recently or still in an abusive relationship we are here to support you.
Male Domestic Abuse & Violence – Domestic Abuse
We know that in the UK around 15% of males have experienced domestic abuse in their lifetime, equating to 2.4 million men.
Often with domestic violence, the perpetrator is someone who we love, be it a parent or partner.
People we consider family should make us feel safe, encourage us and lift us up; there is no greater betrayal than being hurt by those we are closest to.
If you have suffered abuse, whether recently or as a child, talking can help. Our trained counsellors are ready to support you, free of judgement.
Male Domestic Abuse & Violence – Sexual Abuse
There is simply no way of accurately determining how many men are victims/survivors of sexual assault, as the reporting rates are so low that statistics aren’t accurate.
Even in this era of striving for gender equality, there is still a stigma that surrounds men who have been abused.
Sadly, a large proportion of people still struggle to believe that a boy or man can be sexually assaulted, particularly if the abuser is a woman.
If you have been abused, whether at the hands of a woman or man you are not alone. Haven is here for you.
There is no need for you to spend another day suffering in silence.
If you would like to speak to someone about what you have gone through, we are here to listen.
You can reach one of our team by telephone or email.
We’re waiting to hear from you!
However, if you do not yet feel ready to speak to someone about your abuse, there is also a wealth of reading material that you may find useful.
Here is our recommendations, all of which are available on Amazon.co.uk…
- Recovering from Sexual Child Abuse by Mike Lew
- Beyond Betrayal: Taking Charge of Your Life After Boyhood Sexual Abuse by Richard B Gartner
- When A Man You Love Was Abused: by Murphey Cecil
- Abused Boys: by Mic Hunter
- Joining Forces: Empowering Male Survivors to Thrive: by Dr Howard Fradkin
- Leaping Upon The Mountains: Men Proclaiming Victory Over Sex by Mike Lew and Richard Hoffman