This project has recently commenced and is a partnership between SAMSN (Survivors & Mates Support Network) and Griffith University. It recognises the impact of child sexual abuse on males may influence a variety of trajectories such as problems with mental health, relationships, and in some cases adherence to stereo-typical masculinity which may involve a propensity towards using violence. Mental health and gender-based violence are deemed critical contemporary issues for Australia. These are important public health issues. Addressing these intersectional issues for males who have experienced child sexual abuse will be an important initiative to both understanding ways to alleviate trauma and suicidality but also examine factors that may influence gender-based violence.
This project will focus on developing a better understanding of suicidality and the intersecting needs of male survivors of child sexual abuse. It is well established in the literature of the higher prevalence of suicidality amongst populations of male survivors of child sexual abuse. Australian studies show male survivors experience 10 times the rate of suicidality than community samples and nearly 1 in 5 males have experienced child sexual abuse. Male victim/survivors of child sexual abuse are an under-researched population, and statistics show males are often overrepresented in institutional and extrafamilial contexts of abuse. Survivors experience higher rates of mental health disorders and engage in behaviours risky to their health. In the Australian Maltreatment Study, sexual abuse was linked to higher rates of substance use, self-harm, and suicidality. This is in the context that males represent 75% of all suicide deaths in Australia.
In SAMSN’s experience often associated issues such as alcohol and other drug use, inter-generational trauma, poverty, incarceration, disability, low educational achievement, and relationship difficulties co-occur with suicidality amongst survivors of child sexual abuse. This project will address these complexities and provide recommendations for initiatives for prevention and intervention.
The project has three main aims. First, to review the current relevant knowledge base on suicidality, men, trauma, and child sexual abuse. Second, to research the experience and trajectories of male survivors who have experienced suicidality accessing SAMSN services and/or other services such as help and crisis lines. Third, to use findings and consultation with men with lived experience to host a summit/symposium to communicate key findings and advocate for action as part of broader strategies in suicide prevention and initiatives to address the impact of trauma and violence in Australia.