samsn's STRONGER

Survivors & Mates Support Network•samsn.org.au

What does it take to grow stronger than your past? Samsn's STRONGER podcast reveals the personal stories of male survivors of childhood sexual abuse and their families, and explores the strength and resilience which carries them through their ongoing recovery from trauma. Featuring insights from allies in healthcare and criminal justice, plus observations from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, and guidance on pathways to the National Redress Scheme, STRONGER builds compassionate understanding around childhood sexual abuse and its impacts upon males. This podcast series is dedicated to samsn’s co-founders, to the men who are part of SAMSN’s network, and to those who are no longer with us, including Dr Stuart Kidd.

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Episodes

RESPECT - National Redress Scheme

The National Redress Scheme was established after the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sex Abuse recommended setting up a less traumatic, non-adversarial alternative to seeking compensation through the courts. Redress consists of three things: a monetary payment, access to counselling, and an opportunity to receive an apology from the institution, called a Direct Personal Response. This ‘How-To’ explainer features a personal story from a survivor who sought redress through ...

Dec 15, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 7

I Can See Clearly Now - Survival

Male survivors often try to forget or bury their experiences of abuse and use a range of strategies to block out the memories and feelings. These can look like drug and alcohol use, gambling, workaholism, and sex addictions… but frequently, they don't make the link between what happened to them as children or young guys, and their current ways of managing their life. The tactics that abusers use mean that survivors often carry heavy legacies, like being made to feel complicit and responsible for...

Nov 30, 2021•56 min•Season 1Ep. 8

Losing My Religion - Royal Commission

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (2013 - 2017) was established by the Commonwealth government to inquire into and report on responses by institutions (such as churches, schools, sporting groups and out-of-home care) to instances and allegations of child sexual abuse in Australia. To be abused by someone who has authority over you causes unique impacts for men. A significant number of child sexual abuse survivors are abused outside the home by male authority...

Nov 30, 2021•1 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 6

Better Get A Lawyer, Son - Justice (2)

Child sexual abuse is a crime. What does criminal justice and punishment look like in the legal system? What is it like for survivors - or in this context, “victims” - to pursue criminal justice for sexual crimes against them? The second instalment of our two-part Justice episode shares direct personal experiences from two survivors: Adam and Jarad, with some insights from Professor Patrick O’Leary, Professor Rita Shackel, and Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald. Featuring (in order of appearance): A...

Nov 30, 2021•33 min•Season 1Ep. 5

Better Get A Lawyer, Son - Justice (1)

Child sexual abuse is a crime. What does criminal justice and punishment look like in the legal system? What is it like for survivors - or in this context, “victims” - to pursue criminal justice for the sexual crimes perpetrated against them? The findings of the Royal Commission’s public hearing into the Criminal Justice System revealed confronting and problematic issues for survivors in accessing justice. Sometimes a personal sense of crime and punishment just doesn’t line up with the complexit...

Nov 30, 2021•42 min•Season 1Ep. 5

Lean On Me - Supporters

When someone trusts you with the knowledge of their abuse, how you react can have profound consequences and implications for their recovery. What are some helpful ways to respond to a disclosure? A survivor's recovery journey can be greatly assisted by the care they receive from family, friends and other supporters… but this can be challenging at times for those close to a survivor. It’s important to get the balance right in understanding and supporting a survivor, and attending to your own need...

Nov 30, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 3

Real Men - Masculinity

The gender myths surrounding masculinity are often an obstacle to recovery for male survivors of child sexual abuse. Our society presents us with repetitive reinforcements of how men are supposed to look and act, especially with regard to emotional range and sexual intimacy. Those who don't fit the prevailing stereotypes for 'white male privilege' often face additional challenges. Men from First Nations, culturally diverse, or LGBTQI communities, men with disabilities and older men report that t...

Nov 30, 2021•58 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Silent All These Years - Disclosure

On average, it takes 25.7 years for males to disclose their experience of childhood sexual abuse. Why? Evidence shows that males are less likely than females to tell someone what happened and seek help. They often try to block the feelings (like fear and shame) resulting from the abuse, and cope by isolating themselves from others, or self-medicating with drugs and alcohol. Very few have ever met another guy who has experienced child sexual abuse. What is it like to tell someone about your exper...

Nov 30, 2021•48 min•Season 1Ep. 2

Karma Police - Identity

1 in 6 Australian men will experience sexual abuse, usually as children or adolescents. Survivors of child sexual abuse often speak of feeling like their identity was stripped away by their abuser. Who would they have been, how would they have turned out, if the abuse had not derailed their life? What resilience, resourcefulness and strength is required to overcome the impacts of child sexual abuse on forming your identity? How can you find your way back - and forward - to yourself? Featuring (i...

Nov 30, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 1

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