Child Sexual Abuse
Having experienced childhood trauma linked to sexual, emotional or physical abuse or neglect can seriously impact the physical and mental health of men [1]. Men who have experienced childhood trauma often report feelings of isolation, difficulties managing interpersonal relationships, coping with depression, anxiety, shame and embarrassment and thoughts of suicide [1].
The 2023 Australian Child Maltreatment Study found of the 8,500 people surveyed, 18.8% reported that as boys they had experienced child sexual abuse [2]. That percentage translates across the population to approximately 2.5 million men in Australia.
The good news is that recovery from child sexual abuse is possible [1]. Many men find that speaking with other male survivors is a great way to commence their recovery, while others may choose to seek the help of a specialist counsellor or, attend a group for male survivors [1].
For more information on child sexual abuse in men, please visit the following websites:
Research and reports relating to child sexual abuse can be found below:
References
1. Survivors & Mates Support Network. (2025). Welcome to australia's leading organisation for male survivors of child sexual abuse. https://www.samsn.org.au/
2. Haslam, D., Mathews, B., Pacella, R., Scott, J. G., Finkelhor, D., Higgins, D., ... & Malacova, E. (2023). The prevalence and impact of child maltreatment in Australia: Findings from the Australian Child Maltreatment Study: Brief Report.