May is Sexual Assault Prevention Month, and CMHA Grey-Bruce is marking the month by ensuring people are aware of the resources available to survivors.
Jon Farmer, Men's Program Supervisor at CMHA Grey-Bruce, says data shows one in three women in Canada experience some form of sexual violence, but numbers also show one in six men are also victims.
"And yet there's the belief that to be a man means you're never weak, that no one ever hurts you, that you're never impacted by violence, and we know that's just not true," Farmer said. "Sexual violence is something that happens to boys and to men, and because of that, it's so important that people know that there are resources, as well."
Farmer says there are many myths surrounding male sexual assault that still need to be talked about and disproven. The notion that men should never be weak or find themselves in situations to be sexually exploited simply isn't true and is frankly harmful. He says many of these pervasive myths can keep male survivors from reaching out for fear of being judged or blamed, or that they'll be looked at as not tough or strong if they come forward.
"This is a month to let people know that if they've experienced sexual violence, it wasn't their fault, and that there are supports to help them make sense of and to heal from the violence they might have experienced," Farmer added
Many harmful myths also continue to exist around sexual assault against females, Farmer pointed out, and he says this month is about support and compassion towards those who are victims of sexual violence in any context.
CMHA Grey-Bruce offers the Men's Survivor Program, which connects men aged 16 and up with a free counsellor who can help them get the support they need to deal with sexual violence. He also adds that any survivors who need help can call 211 and get directed to services they need.
Additionally, Farmer points out that there doesn't need to be any police involvement or an active investigation or claim to get support if you are a sexual violence survivor.
A media release from CMHA Grey-Bruce shares that according to Statistics Canada data from 2019, only 6 per cent of people who experienced sexual assault reported to police. Also, Canadian data from 2017 reports that among survivors, 81 per cent of victims were sexually assaulted by someone known to them.
"It’s a tall order to eliminate sexual violence but I think that has to be our ultimate goal," Farmer stated. "Everyone has a role to play in addressing the roots of sexual violence when they appear in the attitudes and behaviours that encourage us to think of others not as people but as sexual objects for our own gratification. Because as long as we collectively accept the insults, jokes, and peer pressure that erode respect or that demean survivors, then people will continue to experience sexual violence in our communities. And that’s not okay. In the meantime, everyone needs to know that there are supports available for survivors. And that includes men."
Sessions for the free Men's Survivor Program can take place virtually or in person in Owen Sound and surrounding area. Men can self-refer by calling 519-372-2720 ext1201 or by emailing mp@cmhagb.org.
Survivors can also access supports through Victim Services Bruce Grey and Brightshore’s Sexual Assault and Partner Abuse Care Centre here: https://www.southwesthealthline.ca/displayService.aspx?id=11283
