Eight-Week SUPPORT Groups
Eight-week facilitated support group for male survivors of childhood sexual abuse
SAMSN runs groups for men who were sexually assaulted as young boys or adolescents. The groups run for eight weeks and are two hours in length. Any male who was sexually assaulted during his childhood can contact SAMSN about joining one of our groups, and there is no cost to attend.
SAMSN’s groups are conducted within a safe peer-support environment and are facilitated by two experienced professionals. The facilitators create a safe environment for recovery with clear rules and guidelines for the peer-group to ensure appropriate conduct and confidentiality.
You are welcome to register your interest to attend a group by calling us or submitting the form below. Once you’ve registered, one of our Planned Support team will make contact and provide more detailed information about the registration process and how the groups work.
As we limit the number of participants to 12 per group, we often have wait lists. When there is a wait, you will be informed of your position on that list.
A facilitator will contact you in the lead up to the start date (usually 2-4 weeks prior) to conduct a telephone assessment to determine your needs, readiness to attend and answer any additional questions you might have.
As acceptance is an important feature of our joint recovery, the groups are open to men from different cultural and religious backgrounds and sexual orientation who are over the age of 18 years old. The groups are also open to trans men.
The 8 weeks are divided into two parts:
Weeks 1 to 4 – Childhood
We discuss how sexual abuse can affect a child and examine issues such as family of origin, disclosure and grooming. Once the group is established, you will have the chance to share your personal experience, if you choose, at week 3.
Please note: This is a closed group and men are not able to join after week 2.
Weeks 5 to 8 – Adulthood
We look at how sexual abuse can affect men. This includes the way they think about themselves, the emotional impacts and the effects on their relationships and other ways to support ongoing recovery.
SAMSN's IPad Library
SAMSN has iPads available for loan. If you would like to join one of the online Eight-week Support Groups, you can borrow a SAMSN iPad to do this. SAMSN will set-up, prepare and post the iPad to you ready for use.
There is no charge, all you need is access to WiFi! And we’re here to assist if you require any help.
Locations for 2024
The Waitlists for SAMSN’s 2024 Eight-week Support Groups are open. The dates and locations are below.
To register your interest in attending a group, please complete the relevant registration form below and one of our team will contact you with further information and discuss other support options available. You can also call directly on 1800 472 676.
Please note that registering does not guarantee you a spot in a particular group. We currently have waitlists for each group which may impact on when a spot becomes available. This will be discussed with you when one of the team contacts you.
We would like to thank the Federal and NSW Governments for providing funding for this important service.
NSW (Online)
13 Feb – 2 Apr
NSW (Online)
24 Feb – 3 Apr
Parramatta
7 May – 25 Jun
NSW (Online)
7 May – 25 Jun
NSW (Online)
8 May – 26 Jun
NSW (Online)
30 Jul – 17 Sep
Parramatta
30 Jul – 17 Sep
NSW (Online)
31 Jul – 18 Sep
NSW (Online)
23 Oct – 11 Dec
Erskineville
22 Oct – 10 Dec
How it works
Free to join
These 2 hour sessions are for men who were sexually assaulted as young boys or adolescents. Any male who was sexually assaulted during his childhood can contact SAMSN about joining one of our groups. There is no cost to participants to attend.
Resources provided
Continuous support
Men who complete an Eight-week group may wish to continue to meet with other survivors at a Drop-In Monthly Meeting, held in a number of locations. They are professionally facilitated by SAMSN staff and are a great opportunity to stay connected to the SAMSN network.
How it works
Free to join
These 2 hour sessions are for men who were sexually assaulted as young boys or adolescents. Any male who was sexually assaulted during his childhood can contact SAMSN about joining one of our groups. There is no cost to participants to attend.
Resources provided
Continuous support
Men who complete an Eight-week group may wish to continue to meet with other survivors in a monthly meeting forum, held in a number of locations. hey are professionally facilitated by SAMSN staff and are a great opportunity to stay connected to the SAMSN network.
What Our Participants Say
Pete
From the talkative ones to the quiet ones, all equals and all in a safe place. These are my true family. My thanks to SAMSN for replacing what I lost.
Chris
A big strength of these groups is that, not only are they professionally facilitated, but they have the additional foundation of authenticity borne from being created and supported by fellow survivors.
Malcolm
I now know that none of what I have been through was my fault. SAMSN is a supportive place where I can return to feeling safe.
L.M
I have started to speak about something that I’ve never discussed before. The issues I came in with are still there and I can now more clearly see them. It’s no magic pill just another step in the journey.
Tim
I feel more willing to talk to people about being a survivor and in helping others I feel less anxious more able to breathe and feel more positive about moving forward.
Jules
More positive, happier, less procrastinating and in the words of my son on Father’s Day “new improved dadding.”
Lindsay
It has heightened and deepened my ability to make connections as never before between elements of my life experience and the abuse.
Daniel
It has changed everything; my life is not the same, I came here as a broken man with no hope. Today I leave as a “Survivor” not a victim. My family life relationship and all is changing in a positive way.
Adam
I feel like I have legitimately started my road to recovery. Not as scared to talk about this. I am not broken.
John
Big load off my chest being able to talk. The group helped me understand about my experiences & their impact on my life. I am less angry, better at listening & being supportive.
Joel
I feel less anxious, emotional and intense. I feel more comfortable telling my story, I have learned so much about myself and I feel so much less alone.
Raymond
I am no longer a victim. I am a 58 year old male survivor and I will not be that 8 year old victim anymore.
Jack
I feel more confident, but I am a work in process. God bless SAMSN & all who sail in her!
Peter
SAMSN has given me confidence & an understanding about surviving and recovery.
Richard
I related very much to other people’s stories about coping and recovery.
Mohammed
I couldn’t believe that one day I would open up to talk and share some part of my story.
Nate
I’ve adapted to my assault more & I’m walking from the group knowing I can either let it shape me or let it go.
Gerald
I am able to connect with myself and my identity and not let being a victim rule me.
Chris
This has helped me by being able to change my perception of my abuse or a least see that change is possible!
Glenn
I felt understood, awestruck hearing similar stories allowed me to open up just a little more.
Jay
It has made it easier to talk about the things that happened to me and hopefully give me more courage to speak up.
Jason
I’ve learned to talk about my experience and put trust in those who want to help me survive and thrive.
Gerardo
I got to tell me story for the very first time.
Philip
I feel like I may have opened up a bit and I definitely felt a process shift in my brain in the 5th week & 6th week.
Archie
I have taken a step forward in accepting myself as I am acknowledging my mistakes and working towards being a better me. I have undertaken steps to improve and listen to others in their journey of improvement and how they did it. I’ve learned to listen.
Luke
It has changed the way I identify with my experience of trauma particularly around the thoughts associated with it. I have managed to separate them.
Tom
This has been my second group and it is different the 2nd time. I feel less distressed and more able to listen this time.
Matt
I am able to show more of my personality in public.
Wazza
This group has changed me in so many ways & meet people just like you.
Mick
Understanding way more about what happened in the past & just learning now how I can go about getting myself better.
Jon
The group has made me realise there are many men with similar experiences & that it is ok to be open about it & that support is available.
Mark
I looked at myself as a victim but now as a survivor!
Mick
I haven’t had any thoughts of ending my life since the group. I have nothing to hide or be ashamed of anymore.
Jack
I’ve become more open about my abuse and more comfortable within myself. It helped to know that I’m not alone.
Rich
I am not alone. SAMSN is a great support network that answered a lot of questions & doubt.
Alex
Made me realise the things I need to change in my life.
Paul
I feel more in command of my life in seeing & valuing myself as a man. It has given me a confidence to face the past, own the emotions, accept the anger and grow up. I am more than a scared teenager.
Tim
Not being the only one who feels like a victim and sharing experiences with others and identifying with their experiences.
Joe
I found a new sense of self I feel I have discovered a new man and a better understanding of why I behave the way I do.
Harry
Feeling safer around men, feel supported and believed, appreciated the brotherly love & support.
Melad
Made me understand more about my abuse & how to deal with it as an adult.
Tel
I am changing and its been a long process and yet I’ve felt as though good things are still happening. Growing and development. At about week 6 I felt as though I turned a real corner.
Tony
The group has helped me contextualise my experience in a broader human story and helped me feel less alone and isolated. As a result, the group has also normalised my struggles and lessened feelings of shame, inadequacy and the need for secrecy. I can be more honest about the aftermath of abuse with myself and others. Through showing me the similarities and differences in our struggles and successes, I have been reminded of my strengths and inspired by the bravery and wisdom of others. The care, acceptance, and camaraderie of the group and facilitators have given me hope.
Matt
Childhood sexual abuse has been an issue that my wife and I have been dealing with over many years since I disclosed the events of my childhood to her & stumbling across the SAMSN organisation. I attended the 8-week group counselling sessions and the difference is my relationship with my wife and children has been extraordinary. A massive burden has been lifted from my life & I give thanks to SAMSN for the change in my life and the lives of my family in such a positive way.
SAMSN acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work. We pay our respect to Past, Present and Future Elders.