Male Survivors Services
We offer all of our Therapeutic Support and ISVA services to all individuals who have experienced rape, sexual or domestic violence, regardless of sex or gender identity. We recognise the social and psychological impact of their experiences as male survivors and how this can compound their reluctance to disclose. Therefore we are committed to continuing to provide access to support for male identifying survivors.
Male Survivors of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence takes place within an intimate relationship and forms a pattern of bullying and controlling behaviour. Domestic violence can be a single incident or a pattern of abusive, controlling, coercive, or violent behaviour. This can sometimes, but not always, include sexual violence. It can also include; coercive control, emotional abuse, financial abuse, harassment, online abuse and physical abuse. RASAC recognises there are both similarities and differences in the way people experience and are impacted by domestic violence. This is why we offer the same services to male and female identifying people.
Myths and Realities
Myth: The law only protects women who have experienced domestic violence; but does not protect men
Reality: Men and women have the same rights to protection from domestic abuse.
Myth: Only gay men sexually assault other men
Reality: Sexual assault is about power and control; and not dependant upon a persons’ sexual orientation
Myth: Sexual physical responses mean that survivors consent or desire the abuse
Reality: The sexual physical response elicited by sexual violence does not imply consent or desire; however this is a powerful tool used by perpetrators to discourage disclosure
Myth: Men who experience abuse are weak and not “real” men
Reality: They had no choice in the abuse. It is important to remember that 1 in 6 boys are sexually abused before age 18, and that those boys can grow up to be strong, powerful, courageous and healthy men.
Myth: Men can’t be sexually assaulted
Reality: Any man or boy can be sexually assaulted regardless of age, size, class or sexual orientation
Myth: Men cannot be sexually abused by women.
Reality: Men can be abused by women. Due to societies views on women abusing men the abuse may be trivialised and minimised.
Our Helpline Support Service
We are here to listen, to believe you without judgement and can offer support and advice to victim-survivors, family members, friends and partners, as well as signposting and referring to other appropriate services.
0300 303 4787
