Sexual violence against men is a largely unspoken reality. Although often underreported, research suggests that 17% (or 1 in 5) of adult men have experienced sexual assault. Despite this, stigma and harmful gender norms - such as the expectation that men should suppress emotions, always be able to protect themselves, and always be interested in sex - prevent many men from seeking support.
For some men, the risks are even higher. Gay and bisexual men experience sexual violence at rates between 12% and 54%. These experiences are often compounded by homophobia, transphobia, and a lack of specialized support, all of which reduce the likelihood of men who have experienced sexual violence to seek help. Traditional gender norms within racialized communities can further reinforce shame and silence.
Without support, many men turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, and cycles of violence and trauma persist - affecting not just men, but also their families and broader communities.
However, acknowledging, educating ourselves, and addressing these issues is a powerful step towards creating better supports and safer communities for everyone. By recognizing the impact of sexual violence on men, we can build supportive communities and systems that foster healing and disrupt cycles of harm for everyone.
This workshop, led by Kira from CCASA provides exploration into societal expectations of men and masculinity, their intersection with sexual violence and rape culture, and ways we can provide informal support to men impacted by sexual violence.
By joining us on March 4th, you will…
✅ Learn about societal norms and narratives that prevent men from reaching out for support around sexual violence
✅ Develop skills to identify and intervene in the harmful messages about masculinity that contribute to sexual violence
✅ Gain deeper insight into how supporting men impacted by sexual violence contributes to ending sexual violence.
✅ Learn active ways to be an informal supporter (such as a friend, colleague, or family member) of a man upon a disclosure of sexual violence.
✨ Only Voice Male subscribers get access to this exclusive event! Don't miss out—click below to discover all the perks of a Voice Male subscription.