Services for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse
The Ministry is leading the funding and development of services to support male survivors of sexual abuse and their support networks.
The aim is to provide services for male survivors of sexual abuse (MSSA) that are:
- accessible and more readily available
- responsive, evidence-based and in accordance with good practice
- delivered by an appropriately skilled workforce
- part of the wider service system responding to sexual violence
- able to support survivors.
Background
In 2015, the Social Services Committee and the Law Commission identified that victims/survivors and perpetrators of sexual violence were not receiving the services that they need, because:
- there was insufficient investment, and
- services were poorly co-ordinated, without visibility of specific service needs and populations.
This was partially addressed in Budget 2014, when $10.4 million (over two years) was allocated to stabilise the sexual violence services sector. The stabilisation funding ended on 30 June 2016.
In Budget 2016, $46m was allocated (over four years) for on-going stabilisation and an increase in sexual violence services, with MSSA services funding ending 30 June 2019.
Since 2017, the Ministry of Social Development has worked closely with the MSSA sector on several initiatives such as a results measurement framework and outcome measures.
Information gathered through workshops was used to inform the development of Service Guidelines for the Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse service.
Service guidelines
Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Service Guidelines were developed in 2018 following a consultation process with service providers.
We have also developed a Reporting Guide to help providers collect accurate data about the provision of services. The guide breaks down the Result Measurements Framework (RMF) questions and provides clarity around what each question means.
Commissioned research
The Government has commissioned two pieces of research into male survivors of sexual abuse.
The first research project, titled ‘What is known about effective recovery services for men who have been sexually abused? An evidence review’ brings together current evidence on what supports adult male survivors of sexual abuse. The project was undertaken by Carswell Consultancy.
The second research project, titled ‘Male survivors of sexual violence and abuse (SVA): Barriers and facilitators to reporting and accessing services’ explored the experiences of male survivors in reporting and seeking help for sexual violence and abuse. The research was conducted by a team from Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington, the University of Otago, and the Donald Beasley Institute.
