Day 5 of 16 Days of Activism - Male Survivors of Abuse
Breaking the Silence: Challenging the Stigma Around Male Survivors of Abuse
This article is written by Janette Hermann, a Social Worker in Private Practice, a Sessional Worker at The Teddy Bear Foundation, and an advocate for Children’s Rights and the Prevention of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. Through my professional role in outreach programmes addressing Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and my experience working with survivors and offenders, I aim to challenge stereotypes, raise awareness about the stigma male survivors face, and foster inclusivity in the fight against all forms of abuse.
The Teddy Bear Foundation stands for Abuse No More. As a leading organisation in addressing abuse and empowering survivors, we believe inclusivity is crucial in the fight against GBVF. Abuse knows no gender, and while women and children are often the focus of support and advocacy, male survivors, including young boys, also endure the devastating impacts of abuse. Yet, stigma, stereotypes, and societal expectations often silence them, preventing them from seeking help or reporting abuse.
This article highlights the barriers faced by male survivors, shares their stories, and calls for a collective effort to create a society where all survivors feel supported, validated, and empowered to speak out.
The Stigma Male Survivors Face
Men and boys who experience abuse often encounter unique barriers that prevent them from coming forward. Societal norms that equate masculinity with strength, stoicism, and invulnerability create a culture of silence. Male survivors frequently internalise feelings of shame and guilt, believing they will be perceived as weak or complicit if they disclose their experiences.
Common Stereotypes and Barriers:
Men Are Not Victims: The assumption that men cannot be victims of abuse often invalidates their experiences.
Toxic Masculinity: Cultural expectations of male toughness discourage men from expressing vulnerability or seeking help.
Fear of Not Being Believed: Male survivors often fear that their stories will be dismissed or ridiculed.
Stigma Around Sexual Abuse: Male survivors of sexual abuse face added stigma, particularly if the perpetrator was male, due to entrenched homophobia and misconceptions about sexuality.
Male Victims: Stories from the Teddy Bear Foundation
At the Teddy Bear Foundation, we work with survivors of all ages and genders. Our reports highlight the prevalence of abuse among young male victims, many of whom suffer in silence due to societal stigma. These boys often grapple with feelings of confusion, shame, and isolation, exacerbated by a lack of understanding and support.
From cases of physical and emotional abuse by family members to sexual abuse by trusted adults, the narratives of these young male survivors reveal the urgent need for greater awareness and inclusivity. Male survivors, whether boys or adult men, deserve the same compassion, validation, and support afforded to all victims.
The Importance of Inclusivity in Abuse Advocacy
Addressing the stigma around male survivors is not only a moral imperative but also a practical necessity in the fight against GBVF. Inclusivity ensures that all survivors feel empowered to report abuse, access support services, and begin their journey toward healing.
Key Areas for Change:
Education and Awareness: Community outreach programs must include discussions on the realities of male victimisation. Normalising the experiences of male survivors can help dismantle harmful stereotypes.
Safe Reporting Spaces: Creating environments where men and boys feel safe and supported in reporting abuse is critical.
Male-Centred Support Services: Providing tailored therapeutic interventions for male survivors ensures their unique needs are met.
Representation in Advocacy: Sharing stories of male survivors helps to challenge stereotypes and foster empathy.
Research on Male Survivors of Abuse
Academic research underscores the profound impact of abuse on male survivors. According to Lisak (1994), male survivors of childhood sexual abuse often struggle with long-term effects, including depression, anxiety, and difficulties in forming healthy relationships. Similarly, Easton et al. (2014) found that societal stigma exacerbates the mental health challenges faced by male survivors, often leading to underreporting and delayed help-seeking.
The toxic masculinity framework described by Kupers (2005) highlights how rigid gender norms contribute to the silencing of male survivors. This silence perpetuates a cycle of stigma, leaving many men to suffer alone. Breaking this cycle requires systemic changes in how abuse is perceived and addressed.
Changing the Narrative for Male Survivors
The Teddy Bear Foundation advocates for breaking down the barriers that prevent male survivors from seeking help. We believe that abuse has no gender and that inclusivity strengthens our fight against all forms of violence.
Steps Toward Change:
Normalise Male Vulnerability: Society must shift its perception of masculinity to embrace vulnerability as a strength.
Amplify Voices of Male Survivors: Sharing stories of resilience and recovery can inspire others to come forward.
Promote Gender-Neutral Support Systems: Policies and programs should address the needs of all survivors, regardless of gender.
Educate Boys Early: Teaching boys about healthy relationships and boundaries helps prevent abuse and empowers them to speak out if they become victims.
A Call to Action
The stigma around male survivors perpetuates silence, isolation, and suffering. By challenging stereotypes and fostering inclusivity, we can create a culture where all survivors feel validated and supported. The Teddy Bear Foundation remains committed to ensuring that abuse is never tolerated, and that no survivor—man, woman, or child—is left behind.
It is time to rewrite the narrative and build a future where every survivor has the courage to speak out, the support to heal, and the hope to thrive. Together, we can break the silence and stand united against all forms of abuse.
References
Easton, S. D., Saltzman, L. Y., & Willis, D. G. (2014). “Would you tell under circumstances like that?”: Barriers to disclosure of child sexual abuse for men. Psychology of Men & Masculinity, 15(4), 460–469. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0034223
Kupers, T. A. (2005). Toxic masculinity as a barrier to mental health treatment in prison. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 61(6), 713–724.
Lisak, D. (1994). The psychological impact of sexual abuse: Content analysis of interviews with male survivors. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 7(4), 525–548.
United Nations. (1989). Convention on the Rights of the Child. https://www.unicef.org/media/52626/file.
Recognizing the Humanity in Men: Breaking the Silence on Gender-Based Violence
In conversations about gender-based violence, the focus often lands on women and children, leaving an important truth unspoken: men, too, can be victims. This silence not only isolates male survivors but perpetuates a harmful narrative that men are always the perpetrators, never the harmed.
We must confront this imbalance with empathy and awareness. Men can feel pain, fear, and betrayal just as deeply as anyone else. They can suffer abuse—emotional, physical, or psychological—at the hands of partners, family members, or society. They can experience shame and stigma that makes it even harder to seek help, fearing judgment or disbelief.
It’s essential to separate the actions of some from the identity of all. While some men are indeed perpetrators of violence, there are countless others who are kind, compassionate, and supportive. Good men stand as protectors, advocates, and allies in the fight against all forms of abuse. Their contributions are vital to fostering a world where everyone can feel safe, valued, and heard.
Acknowledging men as potential victims doesn’t diminish the experiences of women or children—it enhances our understanding of the universal impact of violence and the need for inclusive support systems. Let’s rise above stereotypes and recognize that anyone, regardless of gender, can suffer—and anyone can help make a difference.
It’s time to create space for all voices in the fight against gender-based violence. In doing so, we honor humanity itself: complex, resilient, and deserving of compassion.
A Survivor’s Story
"I stayed silent for years because I thought no one would believe me. As a man, admitting that my partner was abusive felt impossible. When I finally sought help, I realized I wasn’t alone. I found support, and now, I want to help other men know it’s okay to speak out and seek healing."
— Anonymous Male Survivor
Today’s Challenge: Amplify the Voices of Male Survivors
Share This Post
Use your platform to raise awareness about male survivors of abuse.
Use the Hashtags
#16DaysOfActivism, #MaleSurvivors, #EndGBV, and #RiseTogether to start conversations.
Support Organizations
Volunteer with or donate to groups that provide resources for male survivors.
Start a Conversation
Talk about the stigma around male victims of abuse with your friends, family, and community.
Every Survivor Matters
Male survivors are often overlooked, but their experiences are just as valid and important. Abuse doesn’t discriminate by gender, and neither should our support systems. By fostering inclusivity and breaking down stereotypes, we can create a world where every survivor feels seen, heard, and supported.
#16DaysOfActivism #MaleSurvivors #EndGBV #RiseTogether
