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Male Survivors and the Need for Training:

The Special Issues of Male Survivors and the New Training Available to Address Their Needs

Sexual abuse has only in the last twenty or so years, emerged from obscurity as a social phenomenon. Although the average citizen may still be in varying degrees of denial, we in the therapeutic profession see the reality more clearly. We know that sexual abuse is not new, but rather talking about it and seeking help is.

Every year we are seeing an increase in the number of disclosures. Women's Programs have been overwhelmed for some time now; children's programs are also full and growing. Since the founding of Victoria male Survivors of Sexual Assault Society in 1989 and Vancouver Society For Male Survivors Of Sexual Abuse in 1990, male survivors have had somewhere to go and have been coming forward with ever increasing frequency. Not only have men come forward to disclose their childhood abuse, but we have also seen an increase in the reporting of adult male rape cases (this is particularly a problem in prisons).

Along with the establishment of specialized services for survivors, more attention to abuse by the media, has also encouraged more survivors to reach out for help.

Subsequent to this increase in awareness, readiness of survivors, and greater openness to them, disclosures have been made by men within treatment programs which address a wide range of issues. Many V.S.M.S.S.A. clients have come to us as referrals from diverse social service agencies (such as drug and alcohol treatment programs, family therapy, job and life skills programs, crisis lines, police, hospitals, etc.). More and more, therapists recognize the need to be prepared to receive these disclosures of sexual abuse.

"Not only are male survivors locked in silence because of beliefs about males and vulnerability, but service providers may also respond in ways which inadvertently reinforce the misconceptions and undermine the disclosure and recovery process."

As more male survivors seek treatment, a significantly altered view of male survivors is formulating. Many of the long held misconceptions are being eroded and replaced with a broader and yet more accurate understanding of male survivors and their issues. For example the scope of sexual abuse against males is being seen more clearly. The average age of initial abuse, duration and age of cessation is becoming more clear, as are the circumstances within which the abuse occurs. The gender of and relationship to the offender is emerging differently than old beliefs would suggest. Socialized norms around gender roles are now understood in relation to the ways in which they stand in the way of disclosure and impede the therapeutic process for male survivors.

As this subtle but steady changing of social attitudes and survivor's readiness for disclosure continues, so too, treatment must also evolve. While many features of survivors are constant across cultures and genders, many other features vary. As alluded to above, socialized gender role norms are a particularly problematic concern. Not only are male survivors locked in silence because of beliefs about males and vulnerability, but service providers may also respond in ways which inadvertently reinforce the misconceptions and undermine the disclosure and recovery process.

It is important to understand that sexual abuse is a subversive thread, insidiously and intricately woven throughout the fabric of society. It must be recognized that victims and perpetrators exist in both genders, all sexual preferences, all races, religions and socio-economic levels, etc. As it is so pervasive, sexual abuse is complex and varied in its manifestations and impact on survivors and the community.

Fortunately, the amount of research and literature on this devastating problem is on the increase. Nonetheless, as male survivors are the latest group of victims to come to light, less is known about the issues they are burdened with, and therefore less is known about how to respond. As the Vancouver Society for Male Survivors has specialized in this particular population, we have gained a great deal of insight and information relative to treatment. We have built in a number of elements that ensure on-going development in understanding and treatment of male survivors. Most assuredly we have learned a great deal from the more that 600 male survivors that have passed through our agency. In addition, we have weekly supervision meetings, during which case conferencing occurs, as does peer support. Approximately once a month outside professionals are invited to our weekly meetings for the purpose of education and networking. To date we have had the privilege of sharing in the knowledge of the Vancouver Sexual Offenses Squad; a drug and alcohol counsellor from Pacifica; AIDS researchers from the Vanguard Project; a representative from the Eating Disorder Resource Centre; a representative (and interpreter) from the Deaf, Hard of Hearing & Deaf-Blind Well-Being Program; and an editor from a publishing company that specializes in books on recovery. More of these guest sessions are planned for coming months.

For several years V.S.M.S.S.A. has been an approved practicum placement site for Masters level students. We have had practicum students from the University of British Columbia Counselling Psychology Department in the Faculty of Education; Bastyr College in Seattle; Antioch in Seattle; and the Art Therapy Institute of Vancouver (while the A.T.I. is not a Masters degree granting program, we see their second year students as functioning at a Masters student level). This has been a very positive experience for all involved. Practicum student work with clients is only with the full knowledge and consent of clients, most of whom welcome the interest, concern and skill evidenced by the students.

One of the newest programs at V.S.M.S.S.A. is our Victim Services Program. Trained volunteers provide clients with information, support and guidance around legal options and compensation programs. Our training for that program is virtually on-going. For that program we have developed and published a victim service training manual/guidebook, and more recently produced a 49 minute training video. Both the manual and video have been purchased by Victim Services and counselling programs throughout B.C. and now, across Canada.

We have also attempted to reach out to and inform the public through media interviews in newspapers, radio and television, and information fairs. A significant number of our clients have come to us as a result of our media work. I would like, at this point, to acknowledge the respectful and supportive reporting by the media.

Lastly, we periodically offer training to colleagues in the helping professions. Two to three day training seminars have been offered by V.S.M.S.S.A. throughout Canada to a range of professionals from support worker to counsellors, psychologists, M.D.s, and psychiatrists. Approximately twice a year training seminars are offered on-site for support workers and professionals who do or may work with male survivors. Typically, several of our staff contribute to these workshops. Past seminars have been well received and the feedback indicates that the positive effect has been carried back to other agencies and communities. Our next such workshop is scheduled for October 25th & 26th.

Survivor support and treatment is vitally important to all of us, therapists, survivors, and the community. Therefore on-going training is not only important, but an ethical responsibility. Creative solutions for professional development can be found to go beyond the constraints imposed by the current financial climate. We have gained ground in the recovery field and must persevere in ensuring that all survivors continue to have the highest standard of treatment opportunities for recovery and an enriched life.