Male sex abuse victim survivors group launched

Community Action, March 21, 2005

OTTAWA -- The Ontario Association of Male Survivor Services has opened. It is "an organization committed to ending the silence of male sexual victimization in this province, like all victims, they have the right to be heard and helped."

The association will advocate for professional, funded services for male survivors, the creation of dedicated, accessible, and coordinated services for men, to establish a place of healing in every community in Ontario for men who have experienced trauma. (www.malesurvivor.on.ca) The organization will offer web-based material, professional training, practice standards and peer support available to member organizations.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation has provided initial funding. The association is operated by The Men's Project, a nonprofit organization whose mandate is to serve male survivors of sexual abuse and assault by providing counseling services for men in both Ottawa and Cornwall. The Men's Project is supported by the Attorney General. OAMSS is supported by a Provincial Advisory Committee, with diverse community representation from all regions of Ontario.

Rick Goodwin, is the Provincial Manager of OAMSS.

613-230-6179