Please be advised that this interview explores sensitive subject matters, including sexual abuse, which may not be appropriate for all audiences.
The #MeToo movement cast a great deal of light on the problem of sexual abuse in society, particularly drawing attention to the actions of serial abusers like Harvey Weinstein. While some unfortunately attempted to politicize the movement, there is no denying that many women who suffered abuse were empowered, and at least some abusers were held accountable as a result.
While awareness and empowerment for abuse survivors is certainly on the rise, support for male victims of sexual abuse has undeniably lagged. Despite many bravely sharing their stories, like our own Theo Fleury, there are still undeniable stigmas that often leaves male survivors of sexual abuse feeling isolated and left to struggle with mental health issues, substance abuse and even self-harm in silence.
It is critical to confront the trauma of male sexual abuse head-on and let our brothers who have suffered know that they are not alone and that they need not be ashamed.
If you were the victim of abuse and you have not shared your story, do not suffer alone. Help is available, you deserve justice and support. You will learn more about the types of support available in this interview.
Dr. Kelli Palfy, a former RCMP officer who specialized in investigating sex crimes against children, has since obtained her PhD in Counseling Psychology and is now working as a trained trauma therapist. She is also the author of MenToo: The Unspoken Truth About Male Sexual Abuse, and she joined Adam to shed light on this difficult and important subject.
