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This article explores the journey of obtaining services for adult male survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA). Social norms and stereotypes regarding masculinity and male victimization weigh heavily on service use and on the accessibility of CSA services. Telephone interviews conducted with 17 adult male survivors of CSA were analyzed using a combination of phenomenological and interpretive description methods. Two main themes emerged from the data. The first theme, related to the experiences of obtaining services for their CSA history, explores the factors that motivated them to seek help, and their level of satisfaction with the services received. The second theme involved the challenges faced to obtain these services, including the length of time they had to wait, issues with trusting the wider system, and the difficulty finding services for men. Although different pathways exist to obtain services, the support received was generally found to be quite helpful. The resilience of the participants was noted in their capacity to seek services despite the many challenges they faced. The results suggest that changes must be undertaken at a policy level to reflect the reality and needs of male CSA survivors, and to increase their social recognition.

Background Meta-analyses have confirmed an association between child sexual abuse (CSA) and non-suicidal and suicidal self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITB), yet the mechanisms linking these factors are, to date, poorly understood. The goal of the current study is to explore one potential influencing factor acting in the association between CSA and SITB, which is the disclosure experience. Disclosure has been identified as a prominent factor in the healing process of survivors, with a lack of support following disclosures heightening negative outcomes. Exploring the impact of CSA disclosure on SITB is necessary to build effective prevention and intervention strategies. Methods This qualitative study is part of a larger initiative spanning diverse research sites in Canada and in Ireland and aiming to lend voice to young people who were sexually abused in childhood/adolescence. Participants were recruited from community-based sexual abuse/assault agencies, hospital-based specialized clinics and child advocacy centres. The Long Interview Method, based on a branch of phenomenology, was used to guide research design and data collection. The current thematic analysis, informed by a stress-diathesis model, is based on a sample comprised of 21 ethnically diverse youth aged 15 to 25 who self-reported a sexual abuse experience in their childhood or teenage years and who, as part of the interview on their disclosure processes, revealed past or current SITB. Results The thematic analysis led to the identification of four main themes that both confirmed past research and conceptual models on SITB, and provided new insights. Participants perceived a clear link between their CSA experience and SITB and other mental health issues. They offered their views on the meanings of SITB for CSA victims: to cope with abuse; to end the abuse; to express self-hatred and loneliness; and to let people know about their suffering. They described how negative disclosure experiences led to more nonsuicidal and suicidal SITB. Yet, participants also revealed that receiving support for their SITB created opportunities for CSA disclosure and support. Conclusions This study showed complex connections between CSA experiences, disclosure and nonsuicidal and suicidal SITB. Understanding the reciprocal influences between SITB, CSA disclosure and help-seeking could better equip mental health professionals and caregivers to provide support and foster healing and recovery in CSA victims.

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L’urbanisation est une forme de colonisation actuelle des peuples autochtones (Taylor et Bell, 2004). Elle est, d’une part, une conséquence d’un traumatisme historique, soit l’aboutissement des pertes subies par les peuples autochtones au Canada en raison du colonialisme, qui s’est traduit par des manifestations comprenant une incidence accrue de dépendances, de troubles de santé mentale et de violence familiale (Code Criminel (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-46); Brave Heart, 1998; Evans-Campbell, 2008; Wesley-Esquimaux et Smolewski, 2004). D’autre part, elle est une manifestation des conditions colonialistes actuelles, comme le manque d’infrastructures permettant aux gens de demeurer dans leur communauté pour travailler, suivre un enseignement supérieur ou, dans de nombreux cas, recevoir des soins médicaux vitaux. À l’aide d’entrevues réalisées dans le cadre d’une étude plus vaste qui explorait l’identité culturelle de la jeunesse autochtone urbaine à Montréal, nous montrerons comment l’urbanisation, le traumatisme historique et l’identité culturelle interagissent dans la vie des jeunes rencontrés. L’étude a mis en œuvre les principes de propriété, de contrôle, d’accès et de possession (PCAP ®) en se dotant d’un comité composé de jeunes autochtones urbains qui surveillait tous les aspects du processus de recherche (CPN, 2007). L’analyse a mené à la formulation de quatre grands thèmes reliant entre eux l’urbanisation, le traumatisme historique et l’identité culturelle. Les participants ont d’abord défini la manière dont le traumatisme historique a touché leur vie. Le discours convergent des jeunes a permis de caractériser l’urbanisation comme une forme actuelle de politique coloniale ainsi qu’une forme de traumatisme historique. Enfin, les jeunes ont partagé leur expérience du racisme et des stéréotypes en milieu urbain de même que l’impact de ceux-ci sur leur sens de l’identité culturelle. Nous montrerons comment l’urbanisation, le traumatisme historique et l’identité culturelle interagissent dans la vie de ces jeunes.Urbanization is a form of ongoing colonization of Indigenous peoples (Taylor and Bell, 2004). It is a consequence of historical trauma – a culmination of losses suffered by Indigenous peoples in Canada as a result of colonialism that has manifested as trauma symptoms such as higher rates of addiction, mental health problems, and family violence (Criminal Code, R.S.C., 1985, c. C-46; Brave Heart, 1998; Evans-Campbell, 2008; Wesley-Esquimaux and Smolewski, 2004). It is also a symptom of current colonialist conditions, such as infrastructure deficiencies that force people to leave their home communities to work, undertake higher education or, in many cases, receive essential medical care. Using inte...