A new organization has emerged to provide a support structure for non-offending male survivors of sexual abuse and rape.
South African MALE SURVIVORS of Sexual Abuse NPC is a non-profit company registered in terms of section 14 of the Companies Act, 2008 in South Africa. registration number 2012/176739/08 and is based in the central business district of Johannesburg, South Africa.
The new acronym SAMSOSA (South African Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse) will serve as a resource and referral centre, providing information, support and training for victims, affected individuals and organisations in a safe, non-judgmental structure. In addition, we will act as an advocacy group for non-offending male rape and abuse survivors to create awareness and understanding that will change social attitudes and structures.
The rape and sexual abuse of both adult and young men around the world has been so greatly ignored, disrespected and discounted for, that it has created a major misconception in many that such an occurrence does not exist. Many services currently available are solely focused on meeting the needs of female victims who have been abused and sexually assaulted and in this exclusivity silently perpetuate the fallacy that male rape does not exist. The vast majority of male rape and abuse victims will never report their trauma due to a lack of awareness and misunderstandings of male sexual abuse as well as the current lack of support services available, instead they choose to suffer its effects alone and in silence.
The aim of SAMSOSA is to provide a support structure for non-offending male survivors of sexual abuse and rape. This will be achieved by providing information and direction that will lead the victim and assist affected individuals through their journey of healing in a non-judgemental, compassionate and supportive environment.
“To live is to suffer. To survive is to find meaning in suffering.” Pipher 2001
MISSION
South Africa Male Survivors of sexual abuse endeavours to serve as a resource and referral centre, providing information, support and training for victims, affected individuals and organisations in a safe, non-judgemental structure. In addition, we will act as an advocacy group for non-offending male rape and abuse survivors to create awareness and understanding that will change social attitudes and structures.
VISION
To change lives by providing information, a structure of strength and compassion for male survivors as they embark on their journey of healing, transforming from victim to survivor and ultimately to become a thriver.
MAIN OBJECTIVES
SAMSOSA adopts a four prong R.E.S.T approach to accompany male survivors on the journey from survivor to thriver:
- Referral: SAMSOSA is creating a referral network of existing organisations and trained professionals, counselors and therapists who are specialists in this field.
- Education: Pro-active education and awareness programmes for government institutions, non-government organisations, schools, universities and communities in and around South Africa that is specific to issues around the abuse and rape of boys and men. SAMSOSA will partner with existing groups offering education and support material specifically for these awareness programmes.
- Support: To facilitate support groups and workshops – for survivors and their families so they can realise that they are not alone on their journey. Weekend retreat/workshops offer a recovery experience in a safe, powerful environment for shared healing which addresses the specific needs of male survivors.
- Training: Professional development workshops, conferences and forums for anyone working with male survivors professionally or in the voluntary sector including, but not limited to therapists, counsellors, social workers, medical personnel, teachers, police and clergy. The training is aimed at gaining greater understanding of effective approaches for working with adult male survivors of rape and sexual abuse.
STRUCTURE
- SAMSOSA will work with other non profit organisations to ensure there is no duplication of services and that resources are shared.
- It will be have offices in the centre of Johannesburg which can be used for meetings, workshops and support group sessions as required.
- A lot of organisations never get off the ground as all their resources are spent on fundraising. Funds have been secured for setting up the organisation and its first 12 months overheads have been guarenteed by it’s founder and thriver Rees Mann . Thereafter the organisation will implement a fundraising campaign to raise its own funds.
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