Resources for male survivors of childhood sexual abuse and incest

Dear Uncomfortable,

You are taking some important steps towards healing and recovery. And you're right, most support groups for survivors of childhood sexual abuse and incest are geared toward women, but there are also many that are geared to people of any gender. From your question, it appears you are interested in a group for male survivors only.

If you are a Columbia student, the Barnard-Columbia Rape Crisis/Anti-Violence Support Center offers free and confidential services for male survivors of childhood sexual abuse, phone peer counseling, crisis intervention, referrals, information, and resources. For in-person or phone peer counseling, call x4-HELP (x4-4357). Additionally, Counseling and Psychological Services has a specialist on staff who can provide counseling on issues of abuse and recovery; appointments can be made by calling x4-2878.

In New York City, the St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Crime Victims Treatment Center has support groups for male survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Their services are free and confidential. For more information or to make an appointment, you can call 212-523-4728.

For survivors of childhood sexual abuse and incest outside of New York City, try The National Organization on Male Sexual Victimization (NOMSV) and Men Assisting, Leading, and Educating (M.A.L.E.) or Mental Health America for more information, including availability of support groups and mental health professionals in your area.

Beside support groups, other support resources you may want to check out include these books:

Male Survivors: 12-Step Recovery Program for Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse by Timothy L. Sanders

Men Surviving Incest: A Male Survivor Shares the Process of Recovery by T. Thomas

The Male Survivor: The Impact of Sexual Abuse by Matthew Parynik Mendel

Reaching out for support can be uncomfortable, but by writing here you have already begun the process of recovery. Thinking of you,