Adult Male Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse: Are We Really Helping?

Jamie Smith presents findings from his qualitative study of adult male survivors, identifying universal barriers such as shame, guilt, isolation, dependency on the abuser, and emotional attachment to the person who caused the abuse, as well as male-specific barriers including sexual orientation confusion, difficulty recognizing certain experiences as abuse, and the fear that survivors will eventually become offenders. His research found that survivors often experienced disclosure as a search for connection and support. At the same time, some felt disempowered when family members or professionals immediately took control of what happened next. The presentation, therefore, emphasizes the importance of clinicians responding in ways that validate survivors, support their sense of empowerment, and recognize that disclosure is a complex and ongoing relational process.