NZ research on the support needs of male survivors identifies three key issues – lack of awareness of male survivors, the need to clarify formal support services and the need for a diverse range of support modalities
The sexual abuse and assault of boys and men is not uncommon, and seeking support is useful in reducing negative outcomes. However, male survivors are less likely than women to seek support.
Gendered norms and myths persist with several gender-specific barriers to seeking support existing for men. The present study is guided by three research questions:
- What are men’s support needs in relation to their experience of sexual harm?
- What are men’s experiences of seeking support in relation to their experience of sexual harm?
- What are the barriers that hinder men from seeking support?
Interviews were conducted with 14 men (19–37 years old) attending one of two universities in New Zealand, who had experienced sexual harm. The interviews included a discussion of the men’s experiences of seeking support and were conducted as part of two broader projects. The young men experienced a complex and multifaceted journey in seeking support and described a range of informal and formal avenues that they had reached.