Gay men who are survivors of child sexual abuse will have a supportive space to learn more about the impacts of child sexual abuse and connect with other survivors in a new trauma information group.
Not Alone, a new online group, will be delivered in Victoria by experienced specialist sexual assault service counsellor advocates from 20 February 2024. The festive period can be a difficult and isolating time for some people and this group offers vital support.
The group was created in response to the advocacy of Chris and Macca, two gay, male survivor advocates, who called for more support options for gay men in Victoria who have experienced sexual violence.
This group is free, like all support offered by the specialist sexual assault sector in Victoria. Surprisingly, the group is the first of its kind in Victoria.
Chris & Macca's story:
When Chris began grappling with the impact of child sexual abuse on his life, he started looking for a group he could join. While therapy with his psychologist was extremely positive, he wanted to talk with other men, particularly gay men, who had been abused as children, but no Victorian services were running groups for gay male survivors.
Eventually, he found an online men's group run by an interstate organisation. While positive in some ways, several participants talked about their fear that sexual abuse had made them gay and more generally problematised homosexuality. As a gay man happy with his sexuality, Chris knew that this was not a safe space and that he couldn't speak freely about his own experiences.
Determined that there should be a group in Victoria for gay male survivors, he teamed up with fellow survivor advocate, Macca, and approached Victorian services. Chris and Macca have been involved at every stage of making Not Alone a reality, from their initial idea, to shaping the content and promoting the group.
Survivor advocate Macca tells us, "Many gay men are survivors of sexual assault - the Not Alone initiative by SASVic will provide a supportive safe space with other gay men to understand our trauma and the impacts it has had and has on our lives. As a survivor myself I know that this group will address the very real need for gay male survivors to engage and understand. It has been my honour to work with SASVic in establishing this pilot group for gay male survivors and I look forward to joining my fellow survivors in the group - you are not alone."
Kathleen Maltzahn, SASVic CEO, says "Sexual violence can be profoundly isolating. This group will provide a space for gay male survivors of child sexual abuse to learn together about the impacts of child sexual abuse, make sense of their experiences and connect with other survivors."
Details
The pilot program will run weekly from 20 February to 10 April 2025.
When: Thursday afternoons, 3pm - 5pm
Where: Online
This group is for gay men who have experienced child sexual abuse. The group will take place on a secure online platform so people from all over Victoria can join. The group is best suited to people who haven't received extensive support or information on the impacts of sexual violence and are seeking a supportive space with other gay men who may have had similar experiences.
To join the group, potential participants should call Eastern CASA on 9870 7330 and request to speak to intake or visit the webpage for more information: www.sasvic.org.au/notalone
Support services
If this group isn’t what you’re looking for, but you’d like to speak to someone, you can contact a specialist sexual assault service.
If you have experienced a recent sexual assault or would like after-hours support (5pm-9am), please call the Sexual Assault Crisis Line on 1800 806 292. To find and contact your local specialist sexual assault service, you can visit our specialist sexual assault service map: peak.sasvic.org.au/servicemap
It can be difficult to speak about sexual violence. Specialist sexual assault services support adults and children who have experienced sexual violence, whether recently or a long time ago. All support from the specialist sexual assault sector is free.
You can also call the Rainbow Door, a specialist LGBTIQA+ helpline. Call 1800 729 367 between 10am - 5pm, 7 days a week.
About us:
Sexual Assault Services Victoria (SASVic) is the peak body for specialist sexual assault and harmful sexual behaviour services in Victoria. We work to promote rights, recovery and respect for victim survivors and other people impacted by sexual violence and harm.
Contact details:
Media Contacts
Please contact Brett De Hoedt from Hootville Communications, 0414 713 802/[email protected] for comment from SASVic CEO, Kathleen Maltzahn and survivor advocate, David "Macca" McCarthy.