Healing Isn’t Just for Women: Supporting Male Survivors of Sexual Violence

Breaking the silence, challenging the stigma, and building safe spaces for men to heal

When people hear the words “sexual assault survivor,” they often picture a woman. And while women do make up the majority of reported cases, millions of men have also experienced sexual violence…most in silence.

In fact, according to national data:

• 1 in 6 men has experienced sexual abuse or assault in his lifetime

• Male survivors are less likely to report or seek help due to stigma, shame, or fear of being disbelieved

• Many male survivors don’t even identify what they went through as abuse—until years later

At V.O.I.C.E.S. Against Sexual Assault, we’re working to change this narrative. In 2025, we officially launched our first Men’s Healing Voices Program; a space created exclusively for male survivors to process trauma, build trust, and begin their healing journey.

💬 Why So Many Male Survivors Stay Silent

Cultural messages about masculinity often teach men that they should be:

• Strong, stoic, and unaffected

• Sexually dominant or invulnerable to harm

• Ashamed to cry, express fear, or admit vulnerability

As a result, male survivors may:

• Blame themselves for “not stopping it”

• Minimize the abuse or dismiss it as “not that bad”

• Fear being seen as weak, broken, or less of a man

• Struggle with anger, substance use, or emotional shutdown as coping mechanisms

“No one ever told me men could be victims too.”
— Past program participant

Creating a Safe Space for Men to Heal

In August 2025, VOICES opened its doors to male survivors through our pilot Men’s Healing Program, designed with the same heart, trauma-informed approach, and holistic tools as our women’s programming, tailored specifically for male-identifying participants.

What the program includes:

• 10 weeks of trauma-informed therapy and coaching

• A safe, confidential, judgment-free virtual group space

• Psychoeducation on trauma, shame, emotional regulation, and identity

• Holistic wellness practices (breathwork, grounding, mindfulness)

• Access to 1:1 support, with the option for a retreat or alumni program

The response was powerful. For some participants, it was the first time they spoke about their abuse…ever.

Why Trauma Impacts Men Differently (But Just as Deeply)

While trauma affects every person uniquely, male survivors may experience:

• Delayed disclosure—many wait years or decades to open up

• Intense shame and confusion, especially if the abuse involved arousal, manipulation, or occurred during childhood

• Fear of being judged, feminized, or not believed

• Suppressed emotions that surface later as depression, anger, relationship issues, or PTSD

That’s why trauma-informed support matters. Male survivors don’t need “tough love.” They need safety, truth, and support.

Why This Work Matters and Why We’re Expanding in 2026

Our mission at VOICES is to provide comprehensive, aftercare support for all survivors and that includes men. This March, we're celebrating the powerful men who said yes to healing last year and preparing to launch our next Men’s Healing Voices cohort.

We believe that when male survivors have space to heal:

• They become more connected, grounded, and empowered

• They model healthy emotional expression for their families and sons

• They interrupt the cycle of generational trauma

• They remind other men that they are not alone

“I didn’t think I needed this. Now I realize I never had this space before and I really did need it.”
— Men’s Program participant, 2025

How You Can Help Male Survivors Heal

This work is just getting started, and you can be a part of it.

Are you a male survivor ready to begin healing?

Our next Men’s Healing Voices Program is launching this spring. Reach out to learn more or reserve your spot.

Want to sponsor a man’s healing journey?

• $100 = One private therapy or coaching session

• $1,000 = Funds a full 10-week group experience for one male survivor

• $2,500 = Sponsors both the group + retreat participation

Donate today

 Know someone who needs this? Share this blog.

Awareness can be the bridge that brings a survivor from silence to healing.

Final Thought: Men Deserve Healing, Too

At VOICES, we see you. We believe you. And we know that healing is possible…no matter your gender, your story, or how long it took to speak up.

If you are a male survivor, know this:

You are not alone. What happened to you was not your fault. You are worthy of healing.