English | Quebrar o Silêncio

you are not alone

We want you to know that you are not alone

At least 1 in 6 men have been sexually abused.

At least 1 in 6 men have been sexually abused. However, this is a hidden reality that the majority of people are not aware of. Stigma and taboo make sexual abuse of men and boys a topic that is not discussed. For this and other reasons, male survivors of sexual abuse tend to believe that they are alone and/or that they are the only case. This reinforces their silence and prevents them from seeking support. On average, a male survivor discloses his story of abuse more than 20 years later.

If you need support, contact us

If you need help sorting out what happened to you or dealing with the effects and consequences of the abuse, you can reach us through our Helpline: +351 910 846 589 or by e-mail: apoio@quebrarosilencio.pt.

Our services are free and confidential.

you are not alone

Here is some information that you might find helpful

One in six men will be sexually abused before the age of 18.
Only 16% of men acknowledge or admit to having been sexually assaulted.
The percentage of reported cases is only 3.9%.
Sexual abuse of men can happen in childhood, adolescence or adulthood.
In the vast majority of cases, the perpetrator knows the victim and has a close relationship with them. They are often family members. However, there are also cases where the perpetrator is a stranger.
Sexual abuse can occur once or over an indefinite period of time. There are cases that last five minutes and others that last several years.
There are boys and men who are sexually abused for years and by different abusers.
Sexual abuse of men and boys goes unnoticed and is not always considered a crime.
Most perpetrators are men, but there are also female perpetrators.
On average, it takes more than 20 years for a male survivor who was abused in their childhood to disclose his story and seek support.
Sexual abuse affects heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, pansexual and asexual men.
The perpetrator is the sole responsible for the sexual abuse, not the victim.
Sexual violence against men and boys occurs regardless of religious beliefs, ethnicity, culture, education, economic status, age, sex, gender, social class, background, occupation or sexual orientation.

Still questioning about reaching out?

Don't worry, it's only natural

Many male survivors wonder: “Was my story really one of sexual abuse?” or “Is it worth digging into the past?”. We want you to know that it is natural to have these and other concerns.

It is also a reality that many male survivors of sexual violence cannot find the words to express how they feel. Sometimes all they can say is, “I need help, but I don’t know where to start.” Don’t worry if this is your case. You are not alone.

It is not always easy for a male survivor to understand his history of abuse. It is common to have questions and doubts about what happened and about your own feelings.

Make an appointment for an Assessment Interview session where you can share your doubts, questions, and fears. Many male survivors find that this session gives them a sense of security because they feel heard, believed, and validated. They understand that they are not alone and that their feelings and questions are shared by many other male survivors.

Schedule your Assessment Interview session by emailing apoio@quebrarosilencio.pt or by calling our Helpline: +351 910 846 589. As with all of our support services, this session is free and confidential.