About MTC

We are here to support to any man*: cis, gay, bi-sexual, trans, non-binary, 2spirit, queer, gender fluid+, who has experienced emotional, physical or sexual trauma in childhood or as an adult.

When you survive a trauma or childhood abuse, it can affect every aspect of your life; work, relationships and your health. Many men carry on in silence but there is help here for you. For over 10 years we have been working with men who have experienced trauma and we are here to listen! Call to make an appointment 250.381.6367 or email (info @ menstrauma dot com)

History
The Vancouver Island Men’s Therapy Counselling Society (Men’s Therapy Centre) was formed in September, 2003 in response to the closing of the Victoria branch of the BC Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse (BCSMSSA). The Men’s Therapy Centre provides support and/or counseling services to over two hundred masculine identified persons and their family members each year. The Men’s Therapy Centre is becoming increasingly busy and we now run a wide range of therapy programs, educational outreach and an advocacy service, as well as providing vital support during the criminal justice process from initial reporting through to trial.

Why We Exist
While the majority of sexual abuse is by men on women, anyone can be a victim of sexual trauma. Research suggests that between 20% and 30% of all male children are sexually abused before the age of eighteen. Many of the boys who suffer trauma grow up to be men whose lives are seriously impacted by their early childhood experiences. These men suffer from anxiety and depression, are haunted by flashbacks and nightmares, have trouble finding or keeping jobs, have problems maintaining intimate relationships and much more. To compound the difficulty they also experience the social stigma and the guilt and shame associated with victim-hood that is often significantly stronger for men.

Despite the media stories of men of abuse that have come out over the past few years, many people remain unable or unwilling to respond to this problem and the long term damage it creates both individually and at societal level. We believe it is vital, to both the individual and to society as a whole, to address the issues and concerns of male survivors. Prevention, education, treatment and support are the means.

* man/male/boy includes cis, gay, bi-sexual, trans, non-binary, 2spirit, queer, gender fluid+

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