We support the recovery of male survivors of sexual abuse through the provision of peer-to-peer support services.

Free Peer Support for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse

Peer support services are uniquely qualified to enhance several aspects of recovery, including hope, empowerment, self-esteem, self-efficacy, social inclusion and engagement. They have been found to reduce internalised stigma and promote empowerment and inclusion through the development of person identity with peers.

Peer support is a reciprocal relationship, with benefits arising from working both with, and as, a peer support worker.

We have provided group and individual peer support to men and their families since 2009 are the only agency that provides peer support to male survivors of sexual abuse throughout Auckland.

We support the recovery of male survivors of sexual abuse through the provision of peer-to-peer support services.

There are peer support groups in South Auckland, West Auckland, Central Auckland, East Auckland and the Northshore. These groups and individual peer support sessions are available face to face or remotely.

The life experience of the peer-support-worker creates common ground from which the trust relationship with the person is formed. Empowerment, empathy, hope and choice along with mutuality are the main drivers in purposeful peer support work. There is a great deal of strength gained from knowing someone who has walked where you are walking and now has a life of their choosing. In this way it is different from support work, it comes from a profoundly different philosophical base.

What is peer support? – Male Survivor Aotearoa New Zealand

“We are all social beings by nature – connectedness and community are necessary if not vital to our wellbeing. … Because sexual abuse and sexual assault occurs in relative secrecy – in a state of disconnection between people – reconnecting and building trust are often at the core of healing from sexual violence.”

Rick Goodwin & Mark Patton – Survivors Helping Survivors