Common Misconceptions
Male victims of sexual assault can never be normal again
Although sexual assault and child sexual abuse are very traumatic experiences, with help, people do move through the pain of this experience. The important thing is that help is sought. Healing from sexual abuse is a long and painful, process; Dealing with it alone is very difficult. Talking with someone who is supportive can help the individual cope with the emotional and psychological responses to the abuse.
Only homosexual men sexually assault men.
Most men who sexually assault other men identify themselves as heterosexual. This fact helps to highlight another reality that sexual assault is about violence, anger, and control over another person; not lust or sexual attraction.
If the perpetrator is female, the boy should consider himself fortunate to have been initiated into heterosexual activity.
Premature or coerced sex, whether by a mother, aunt, older sister, babysitter, or other female in a position of power causes confusion at best. To be used as a sexual object by a more powerful person, male or female, is abusive and damaging.
About the Program
The Men’s Program program is an accessible and free counselling service for individuals who have experienced or are experiencing sexual violence. The Circle of Truth program provides advocacy, therapeutic volunteer training and educational sessions to the community regarding the impact of childhood sexual abuse and current sexual violence. This program is a male focused program. The effects of childhood sexual abuse are many and this program provides male survivors an opportunity to work through and begin healing from the traumatic effects of sexual violence.
The program provides therapeutic services for males ages fourteen and older who have experienced sexual violence at some time in their lives. We will provide counselling, education and support services to non-offending survivors of sexual violence and support for significant relatives and others of survivors.
Available Services
Experienced counselors
Specialization in the effects of sexual violence
Counselling for men, women, and youth
Third Party Reporting
Educational groups and workshops
Training and presentations