Support for men .. in Cleveland, Ohio ! from: ClevelandRapeCrisis.org When someone is a victim of sexual assault, it can be difficult to heal from the experience and move forward with life. Often, sexual assault victims in Northeast Ohio would head to downtown Cleveland to seek services from the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center. For people who live east of Cuyahoga County, this kind of help is now available closer to home. Cleveland Rape Crisis Center has opened an office at 54 S. State St., Suite 302, in Painesville. Services are provided for free and with anonymity. The Painesville office joins a Geauga County office that opened in 2011 in partnership with WomenSafe Inc. Those two locations mark the first time in nearly 40 years that Cleveland Rape Crisis Center has offered services outside of Cuyahoga County.

Strength in Support: Men's Support Group Starting Soon

Posted 9/16/2014

You are not alone and you can feel better!  Give us a call!

It happens to one in six men. A 2005 study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control reported that 16% of males were sexually abused by the age of 18. That number is likely underestimated since so many men will not admit they are survivors because of the shame and stigma.

“It is difficult for all survivors of sexual violence to talk about what happened because they feel so much shame.  Survivors also fear people won't believe them or will reject them,” said Kirsti Mouncey, Chief Operating Officer.  “It is even more difficult for men to come forward because they are socialized to believe they should be able to fight back.  Being a victim, particularly of sexual violence, doesn't fit into their masculine identity.”

This 10-12 week support group will provide male survivors (18 and up) with a safe environment to process the ways in which each participant's history of sexual trauma impacts life today. Each participant will receive support, information, as well as opportunities to explore issues of coping, trust, self-worth and other challenges.

This is a closed group and is offered once a week from 6:00-7:30 pm. Start Date TBA

For more information please contact: Intake Department, 216-619-6194 x 141

A pre-group interview is required for participation.