Men in the U.S.A.
Men worldwide
Estimated cost in dollars
The figure usually given for the magnitude of childhood sexual abuse of males is one in six. That is, in a country the size of the United States there are 12.5 million boys who are abused before they reach the age of eighteen; in the UK, the figure is 5.5 million; in Australia, 2 million.
What this means, for all of us, is that yes indeed, we all know numerous male survivors, most of whom have remained silent, some of them for decades. All of them would benefit enormously from our awareness. All of them deserve our encouragement to seek out the support they need.
That’s where outreach can help.
Outreach can emphasize the truths of sexual abuse and help to break down the many harmful myths. It can provide the much-needed constant reminder us that sexual abuse affects all of us, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, race, religious affiliation, or social status. Survivors are our fathers, husbands, sons, grandsons, grandfathers, friends, boyfriends, partners, spouses, teammates, co-workers, and service-providers.
The Bristlecone Project project is a multimedia archive of portraits, written statements, and videos by male survivors, focusing on where they are today, what defines them, and what their challenges and triumphs have been.
Learn moreLess well known is the fact that many more well known personalities have revealed in memoirs or public statements that as boys they were sexually abused, or have spoken of abusive sexual liaisons in childhood. See our list.
Learn moreLiving Well is an Australian organization dedicated to offering affirmative and inclusive support to male survivors, their allies, and professionals who work in this field. We offer the two original posters that you can print.
Learn moreJoin us in making a lasting impact on the lives of those affected by sexual abuse. Your generous donation helps us expand our resources and advocacy for survivors. Together, we can bring hope, healing, and positive change.
