Getting help and support

Men who have been raped are often very reluctant to seek help: they are accustomed to bottling things up rather than talking about them. Their reluctance to speak out may be increased by the fact that they are misled by some of the myths and misconceptions about men and rape which are common in the community. Although it can be hard at first to talk about the effects of being assaulted, most people find that it is very helpful to do so.

Sexual Assault Services

Anyone who has been sexually assaulted may seek help from a Sexual Assault Service and there is much to be gained from doing this. Sexual assault services employ counsellors who are experienced in working with men and women who have been sexually assaulted. The help and support these counsellors provide can be an important step in recovering from the trauma you have experienced. There are 50 specialist adult sexual assault services throughout New South Wales. These services are located in hospitals or community health centres.

Sexaul assault services offer the following:

• Crisis counselling
  Crisis counselling is an opportunity to talk about the way you are feeling and obtain any information you may require.
• Forensic and general medical examinations
  When you first attend the sexual assault service, the counsellor will ask you whether you would like to have a medical examination. A medical examination serves three purposes: to address any medical concerns you have about your body, to find out whether you need medical attention, and to collect any possible forensic evidence for legal purposes.
• Follow-up Counselling
  Follow-up counselling is available to both victims and their non-offending partners, family and friends, whether male or female. Counselling is available whether or not you decide to have a medical examination or to take legal action. Counselling provides a valuable opportunity for talking about the impact the assault has had on you and your life and for considering how you can recover from it.
• Information about follow-up medical care
  After an assault men often worry that they may have contracted a sexually transmitted disease such as HIV/AIDS. Sexual Assault Services will discuss these worries with you and help you decide what you want to do about follow-up treatment and, if appropriate, organise a referral. You may, for example, decide to be treated by your own doctor or at a local sexual health clinic.
• Information and support
  Sexual assault counsellors will also provide information to help you understand what is involved in taking legal action against your assailant and support you through this process should you decide to proceed.

Sexual Assault Services in the Sydney metropolitan area area are listed under "Community Help and Welfare Services" at the front of the telephone book. Services in country areas are listed in the front of the local telephone book. If you have any difficulty finding them, contact your local hospital for assistance.

Other Services
Other services which may be available to talk to men who have been sexually assaulted are: sexual health clinics, youth health services, and private therapists.

The information on this page was taken from: Men and Rape: Information for Men about Sexual Assault. A pamphlet by the NSW Health Education Centre Against Violence.

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Contact SAMSSA at:
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114 Maitland Street
Hackett ACT 2602

Phone: 02 6262 7377
Mobile: 0411 847 108
Fax: 02 6262 7388

Monday - Friday 0900 - 1700
Or in an emergency our 24HR Hotline 02 6247 2525
or
Email SAMSSA at:
samssa@effect.net.au

This page was last updated on 18 April 2005