Post by Dean on Oct 7, 2015 2:47:22 GMT
This site is primarily for male survivors of childhood sexual abuse, but we welcome all to join us in our journey to recovery. Sexual abuse does not just affect the victim, it affects all those who surround him, his partner, children, parents, brothers, sisters, and even friends.
Betrayed Boys is a non-profit organization providing a safe secure place for male survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Our aim is to educate and promote awareness about male survivors and the affect sexual abuse has on them. This site, its forums and chat rooms are provided completely free of charge by the owner and founder who is also a survivor, he found that specific resources for male surviors were few and far between, particulary in Ireland, so he decided to provide one himself.
It is estimated that 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused or experience unwanted sexual attention before their 18th birthday and less than 10% will ever report it. For many years there has been a stigma attached to men who have been abused which has led to many men living alone with what happened to them, without support, and without someone to talk to.
A cultural bias maintains that males cannot be victims, males are expected to be confident, knowledgeable, and aggressive. To be a victim means one is an "inadequate male". If the boy's body has responded sexually he feels he is somehow responsible for the sexual abuse. Male victims of sexual abuse struggle with issues of homosexuality as most offenders are male, their homophobia plus their confusion and fear encourage silence and not to mention the social stigma attached to homosexuality. If a boy has a homosexual orientation, he is often blamed for the"seduction" of the older male, instead of being acknowledged as a legitimate victim of sexual abuse. Molestation by an older female is often viewed positively as a kind of "initiation rite" into manhood.
Cultural pressure encourages participation while denying feelings. Male victims of sexual abuse, more than female victims, may fear loss of freedom and independence if the sexual abuse should be made public. Fear of reprisals from the offender plays a role in under-reporting. When boys are victimised, they tend to be blamed more for their abuse and are viewed as less in need of care and support. Boys fear negative judgement by family and friends. Embarrassment and/or confusion prevent male victims of sexual abuse from disclosing.
If you are a male survivor we want you to know you are not alone, join us today and take the first step to reclaiming your life. The worst part, ' the abuse' is over and your next step is to surround yourself with supportive, loving people, and focus on the desire you have to heal yourself.
"We may have been betrayed alone, but together we WILL survive"