Eight-Week Support Groups

Eight-Week facilitated support group for male survivors of childhood sexual abuse

SAMSN runs support groups for men who were sexually assaulted as young boys or adolescents. The groups run for eight weeks and are two hours in length. Any male who was sexually assaulted during his childhood can contact SAMSN about joining one of our groups, and there is no cost to attend.

SAMSN’s groups are conducted within a safe peer-support environment and are facilitated by two experienced professionals. The facilitators create a safe environment for recovery with clear rules and guidelines for the peer-group to ensure appropriate conduct and confidentiality.

How it works

• Free to join
  These 2 hour sessions are for men who were sexually assaulted as young boys or adolescents. Any male who was sexually assaulted during his childhood can contact SAMSN about joining one of our groups. There is no cost to participants to attend.
• Resources provided
  The groups are guided by two facilitators and each week various topics and issues commonly faced by male survivors of childhood abuse are discussed. A small number of readings are provided each week to help kick-start the discussion. To help create a safe environment for recovery clear guidelines for the group to ensure appropriate conduct and confidentiality.
• Continuous support
  Men who complete an Eight-Week Support Group may wish to continue to meet with other survivors at a Drop-In Monthly Meeting, held in a number of locations. They are professionally facilitated by SAMSN staff and are a great opportunity to stay connected to the SAMSN network.

The 8 weeks are divided into two parts:

• Weeks 1 to 4 – Childhood
  We discuss how sexual abuse can affect a child and examine issues such as family of origin, disclosure and grooming. Once the group is established, you will have the chance to share your personal experience, if you choose, at week 3.
  Please note: This is a closed group and men are not able to join after Week 2.
• Weeks 5 to 8 – Adulthood
  We look at how sexual abuse can affect men. This includes the way they think about themselves, the emotional impacts, the effects on their relationships, and other ways to support ongoing recovery.

How to join a group

You are welcome to register your interest to attend an Eight-Week Support Group by calling us or submitting the form below.

• Once you’ve registered, one of our Planned Support team will make contact and provide more detailed information about the registration process and how the groups work.
• As we limit the number of participants to 12 per group, we often have wait lists. When there is a wait, you will be informed of your position on that list.
• A facilitator will contact you in the lead up to the start date (usually 2-4 weeks prior) to conduct a telephone assessment to determine your needs, readiness to attend and answer any additional questions you might have.
• As acceptance is an important feature of our joint recovery, the groups are open to men from different cultural and religious backgrounds and sexual orientation who are over the age of 18 years old. The groups are also open to trans men.

We would like to thank the Federal and NSW Governments for providing funding for this important service.