Silent All These Years - DisclosureSilent All These Years - Disclosure
samsn's STRONGER
On average, it takes 25.7 years for males to disclose their experience of childhood sexual abuse. Why? Evidence shows that males are less likely than females to tell someone what happened and seek help. They often try to block the feelings (like fear and shame) resulting from the abuse, and cope by isolating themselves from others, or self-medicating with drugs and alcohol. Very few have ever met another guy who has experienced child sexual abuse. What is it like to tell someone about your experience of childhood sexual abuse? What sort of journey towards healing and justice starts when you are finally able to verbalise what happened? What do the signs of distress look like for male survivors, and if someone does disclose, how should you respond? Featuring (in order of appearance): Martin W, Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald AM, Les S, Lindsay G, Shane Greentree (SAMSN, Clinical Services Manager), Jarad G, Raelene Boxwell (SAMSN, Counsellor), Professor Rita Shackel, Matthew O, Professor Patrick O’Leary, Dr Judy Cashmore, Ryan C, Tony D, Luke S. Resources for survivors: https://www.samsn.org.au/recovery-and-healing/resources-for-survivors/ Music: Licensed via Audiio.com OPENING / MARTIN - Luis Berra: Dancing Michelangelo (Instrumental) LUKE - Carinthia: Petrichor (Instrumental) CLOSING CREDITS - Seth Öphengon: A Safe Place (Instrumental)
52:03•30 Nov 2021
Breaking the Silence: Male Survivors Speak Out on Childhood Abuse
“There is no way that you can deal with this on your own. It has to be safe and, most importantly, the person that receives the information has to do something with it, whether it's formally reporting it or some other action.”
Imagine carrying a secret for over two decades. For many male survivors of childhood sexual abuse, this is a reality. In this episode of 'samsn's STRONGER', we hear from men who have bravely chosen to share their stories, shedding light on the long road to healing and justice. The average time it takes for these men to disclose their experiences is a staggering 25.7 years. Why so long? Fear, shame, and a lack of support often keep them silent.
Many turn to isolation or self-medication with drugs and alcohol to cope with the overwhelming emotions. Featuring voices like Martin W., Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald AM, and Clinical Services Manager Shane Greentree, this episode dives deep into the emotional and psychological hurdles these survivors face. You'll also hear from experts like Professor Rita Shackel and Dr Judy Cashmore, who provide valuable insights into the signs of distress and how to respond when someone discloses their abuse.
This episode isn't just about recounting painful memories; it's about understanding the journey towards healing and the importance of supportive communities. With guidance on pathways to recovery through the National Redress Scheme and practical advice for building resilience in children, this episode offers hope and direction for anyone affected by childhood sexual abuse. Whether you're a survivor, a friend, or a family member, you'll find something profoundly moving and informative here.
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