Boys and Men as Victim-survivors of Sexual Trauma: Factors Impacting Disclosure

Evidence indicates that boys and men are less likely to disclose sexual trauma (abuse and assaults), and delay disclosure for longer periods, relative to girls and women. The average time until first disclosure of child sexual abuse exceeds two decades in men. In recent years, there has been an increase in research surrounding factors impacting disclosure in this population.

This systematic review is the first study to consolidate available quantitative and qualitative evidence regarding factors impacting disclosure of sexual trauma in boys and men. It provides a single repository of knowledge surrounding barriers and facilitators for disclosing sexual trauma in boys and men.

By the end of this webinar, attendees will be able to:

• Understand and describe important barriers that make it challenging for boys and men to disclose sexual abuse and assaults. This will include barriers that exist on the individual level, as well as relational, systemic, and sociocultural barriers that impede disclosure in boys and men.

• Critically analyse currently available research surrounding the disclosure of sexual abuse and assaults in boys and men.

Vita Pilkington (she/her) is a Research Fellow and PhD Candidate at Orygen and The University of Melbourne. Her doctoral research explores boys' and men's experiences of sexual trauma, including impacts on health and wellbeing and experiences of disclosure and help-seeking.