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<p>The experiences of African male survivors of sexual trauma reveal significant cultural, societal, and systemic barriers to disclosure and healing. Transcripts from online mental health support groups facilitated in Zimbabwe through the SIDINL Newsletters expose challenges faced by participants, young men aged 20 to 30. Survivors detailed the impact of societal pressures, including some rigid masculinity norms and stigma, alongside isolation and limited access to tailored resources. Key themes emerged through qualitative thematic analysis, such as reluctance to define experiences as sexual violence due to cultural stigmas, fears of emasculation, and systemic neglect. Despite these obstacles, some culturally sensitive, trauma-informed support systems showed transformative potential. Online groups offered safe spaces for survivors to share their stories and validate emotions, with useful cross-cultural exchanges between local and international psychotherapists enriching the recovery process. Addressing these challenges requires policies that ensure anonymity, improve accessibility, and incorporate culturally informed approaches. Recommendations include targeted education to challenge stereotypes, trauma-informed professional training, and inclusive frameworks to address the unique needs of male survivors of sexual violence in Africa.</p>

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Barriers to Support-Seeking Among African Male Survivors of Sexual Trauma

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年4月1日

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  • Sipho Mokwena,
  • Manyara Otieno

摘要

The experiences of African male survivors of sexual trauma reveal significant cultural, societal, and systemic barriers to disclosure and healing. Transcripts from online mental health support groups facilitated in Zimbabwe through the SIDINL Newsletters expose challenges faced by participants, young men aged 20 to 30. Survivors detailed the impact of societal pressures, including some rigid masculinity norms and stigma, alongside isolation and limited access to tailored resources. Key themes emerged through qualitative thematic analysis, such as reluctance to define experiences as sexual violence due to cultural stigmas, fears of emasculation, and systemic neglect. Despite these obstacles, some culturally sensitive, trauma-informed support systems showed transformative potential. Online groups offered safe spaces for survivors to share their stories and validate emotions, with useful cross-cultural exchanges between local and international psychotherapists enriching the recovery process. Addressing these challenges requires policies that ensure anonymity, improve accessibility, and incorporate culturally informed approaches. Recommendations include targeted education to challenge stereotypes, trauma-informed professional training, and inclusive frameworks to address the unique needs of male survivors of sexual violence in Africa.