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	Diocese Makes Group for Abused Males By Jack Poirier Sarnia Observer February 14, 2008 http://www.theobserver.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=902882 The Diocese of London is helping create a regional support group for male victims of sexual abuse. The diocese has doubled its investment from last year, providing $60,000 to the Silence to Hope project. The project is being co-ordinated through Hope & Healing Associates in Chatham-Kent. Project co-ordinator Tom Wilken said the funding will assist men in their healing journeys through no-cost support groups. The project serves nine counties, including Lambton. "We'd like to run a male survivor's group there," Wilken said. "When a male survivor of sexual abuse comes forward, oftentimes there is no place to send them." The male survivors are offered free group therapy sessions for 12 weeks through the program. Currently, there are no such services provided exclusively to male victims of sexual assault. Wilken said the lack of services further alienates survivors. "That's a major hurdle that prevents a lot of men from coming forward." Men are also less likely to come forward due to societal biases, he said. Men are taught at a young age that they can't be vulnerable, Wilken said, adding it challenges the whole view of masculinity. "We're constantly being educated that women are the victims and men are the abusers," he said. "Men aren't victims, therefore victims aren't men." However, national statistics show that 37 per cent of all sexual assault victims under the age of 21 are male, he said. "It's nice that the diocese has faith in the programs we're running . . . but I wish the government would follow suit. They're aware of the numbers." Diocese spokesperson Mark Adkinson said the funding allotment was increased because of the shortage of available services and as a response to high-profile criminal investigations involving Catholic priests. "It's an acknowledgment of what happened in the past . . . and the fact there are few other services of this kind in the area," he said. Wilken estimated as many as 10,000 men in Sarnia-Lambton have been sexually abused at some point in their life. Some of the effects include depression, anxiety, shame, rage, addictions, sexual identity issues, suicide and stress-related illness. It's important to raise awareness so that victims can feel more comfortable coming forward and seeking help, Wilken said. The Silence to Hope project is working with the Sarnia-Lambton Sexual Assault Prevention Centre and Family Counselling Centre. At the least, Wilken said the project will work with its local partners to ensure when men do come forward they can be referred to the proper agencies. Anyone interested in learning more can contact Wilken toll-free at 1-877-676-7613, or e-mail silencetohope@hotmail.com.
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