MatrixMen, a support group for male survivors of sexual abuse in Linden Extension, now also hosts support groups for women.
MatrixMen founder and Honeydew resident, Martin Pelders, started the group after he was sexually abused for many years. “I was in the healing process when I decided I wanted to help other people, and I wanted to create awareness,” he said. “Men should know there is help out there.”
The group is a free service and the support group sessions for male survivors are held on Tuesday nights at the Crescent Clinic in Bromhof. The women’s group meets on a Wednesday at the same venue.
“A woman, who has survived rape, facilitates the women’s sessions,” said Pelders.
Some Wednesdays there are meetings for the families of the men and women survivors. “While I was healing, I read as much as I could find on the topic,” said Pelders. “I also visit schools and deliver a programme called Skills for life where I talk to Grade 11s. I only go to primary schools if they invite me. Ford SA sponsors the programme and we have visited
2 000 schools this year so far.”
An eight-week programme, Victims no Longer, based on a book by Mike Lew will start soon. On 7 November MatrixMen celebrated its first birthday.
Details: Martin Pelders 078 457 4911, 074 125 8782, martin@matrixmen.org, www.matrixmen.co.za
