Wednesday, February 09, 2005

Jewish Male Survivors of Sexual Violence

When I look at pictures of the Kotel, and I see a sea of men, I wonder how many of them were sexually abused as children. They say that one out ever 5 men were victimized. I've heard Vicki Polin say a number of times, "if there's a minyan of 10 men, the odds are that at least 2 of them are survivors."

Keeping this in mind, where do they go to get help? Why is it that they aren't speaking out? Demanding that changes be made? Why are they so afraid to say they were victimized as children, and that it's time for it to stop?

If you a man, and also a survivor, let's hear from you. What can our communities do to help you? What can we do to help you heal?

3 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Does anyone know of a group for male survivors in Pikesville, MD?

February 10, 2005 10:33 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Has anyone had the experience of asking your shul if you could use a room for a weekly self-help survivors group?

I want to start one, but am too embarassed to let them know why I want to start one. Does anyone have any suggestions?

February 10, 2005 10:35 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

(I'm not a man, but....)

re: "Why is it that they aren't speaking out?"

Perhaps because there's still a lot of stigma and humiliation surrounding it for men. (Not that there isn't for women as well, mind you.) A male friend had to escape his emotionally and physically abusive wife of several years; he was able to confide in me, but was unable to confide in any of his male friends.

February 11, 2005 4:15 PM  

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