SAMSN Survivors FAQs

What does SAMSN provide?

SAMSN provides support to adult male (18 and above) who were sexually abused when they were children or young people, as well as to family members, and supporters.
This support includes;
1. Individual (Planned) Support
2. Eight-week Groups, Supporters & Survivors workshops
3. Service Provider’s workshops.
4. SAMSN also provides training and consultancy to organisations

How much does it cost to access SAMSN Services?

SAMSN services are FREE for all male survivors and their supporters.
SAMSN is a not for profit charity that receives funding from government, non-government and other fund-raising activities and donations.

Does SAMSN provide one on one counselling?

SAMSN does have a qualified counsellor who can provide short-term counselling and support for SAMSN men and their supporters.
Where possible SAMSN will endeavour to link survivors with long term, affordable counselling services in their area; however, if there are guys facing barriers to counselling or significant time delays to access, our counsellor can provide support by phone or face to face.

Do you offer online support?

Yes. At SAMSN we aim to provide as much choice as possible and this includes how you access support. Our group program and individual support is available to be accessed online in addition to the traditional options of face-to-face, by phone and over email. The team will be able to explain these options and provide some help with accessing our online platforms, if you need.

Can SAMSN help me with regular life stuff?

SAMSN’s Planned Support team offers individual support tailored to what you need.
This may include accessing Victims Services, counselling, legal advice, the National Redress Scheme; support with navigating government agencies like Centrelink and Housing including advocating for your rights, support around making statements to the Police, filling out paperwork or even just having a chat.

Do I have to tell SAMSN what happened to me, as a child, to get support?

No. SAMSN supports are available regardless of whether you feel ready or not to tell us your experience. Not all survivors feel they need to talk about the experience in order to recover whereas some do. SAMSN will support you either way.

Will SAMSN share my information with other people/services?

SAMSN will only share your information with other services, at YOUR request.
SAMSN is happy to collaborate with other services in order to improve your access or supports, but only with your consent.
SAMSN does have reporting requirements as part of funding agreements to provide some demographic information to funding bodies. However, this is de-identified and aggregated data (We don’t tell them your name or any other identifying information). If you want to find out more about what data, we might collect please let us know or refer to our Privacy Statement on our website.
There are some limited circumstances where SAMSN is required to release your information, for instance if there is a serious & current risk or threat of harm to the survivor or another person, or in some circumstances a court subpoena.

Does SAMSN offer legal advice?

SAMSN does not employ lawyers, however, we are able to link you with suitable referrals, to help you in navigating legal processes and provide information on legal options that are available to you.

Is SAMSN part of the Royal Commission and the National Redress Service?

SAMSN is an independent organisation that worked closely with the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, to advocate for and support victims of institutional abuse.
SAMSN is not a ‘part’ of the National Redress Scheme but has received federal funding to assist and support survivors of institutional child sexual abuse to access the scheme.

Can SAMSN help me get Redress Payments?

Yes. SAMSN works alongside the National Redress Scheme and Knowmore legal service, to support men in making an application to the Scheme. This support may include completing the application form, seeking a redress payment, accessing counselling and /or seeking an apology from the institution.

Will SAMSN tell the police about my abuse?

No. SAMSN supports survivors’ choices about who they tell. We are not required to notify the police about historical abuse. The only time SAMSN may be required to make a report, is if we believe there is current and significant risk to children. In the event we feel this is the case, your SAMSN worker will discuss this with you if appropriate.

Does SAMSN think I should report the abuse?

SAMSN neither encourages or discourages men to take legal action. However, SAMSN will be able to provide information on all available options and support you in whatever you choose.

Can I bring a friend to an eight-week group or monthly meeting group?

No. The topics and discussion during a SAMSN group can be of a personal and intimate nature. We understand feeling apprehensive or nervous about attending alone, however the facilitators are there to ensure the process is a safe one for all those who attend.
If you are nervous about attending alone, please speak to a SAMSN staff member about how we can make the process a safe and comfortable one for you.

Do I have to talk at a SAMSN group?

There is no pressure for you to share your experience of abuse in the group. You will still be able to participate and gain support. Many men who do not feel they are ready to share, find this changes once they have heard other group members share their experiences, however this is not a requirement to attend or complete the group.

Can women or transgender people access SAMSN services?

SAMSN only provides eight-week groups for male and male identifying survivors.

Why isn’t there a group near me?

If you feel your area has a significant need for a SAMSN group, please speak to us about this

Why should I come to a Supporters and Survivors workshop?

The SAMSN Supporters & Survivors’ workshops are held over one day and will provide you and your supporters with an opportunity to meet with others to explore issues you face in dealing with the ripple effects of child sexual abuse. Facilitated by SAMSN staff, the workshop will also provide you with tools and strategies for supporting each other in the future.