Male Survivors of Violence: Get Support
Last reviewed: 6/15/2023
Men can be survivors of violence, as adults or as children. They may also be friends, relatives, and partners of survivors. Researchers have found that 1 in 6 men have experienced abusive sexual experiences before age 18. If you’ve had such an experience, or think you might have, Sexual Violence Response is here to help.
Male-identified survivors who have been sexually assaulted may experience the same reactions as other survivors and may face additional challenges that are specific to their experience:
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
- Eating disorders
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Muscular tension
- Nightmares
- Stress related depression
- Anger, anxiety, or denial
- Embarrassment, feeling exposed, humiliated, or fearful
- Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness
- Mood swings or emotional numbness
- Shame, guilt, or self-blame
- Difficulty with intimacy
- Hypersensitivity when relating to others
- Loss of trust in self and others or withdrawal from people, relationships, activities
Sexual Violence Response is available 24/7/365 to provide confidential support to male-identified survivors of violence. To make an appointment during business hours, call (212) 854-3500. For urgent or after-hours support, please call the 24/7 helpline at (212) 854-4357 to speak with an advocate.
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