The idea of facing the outside world after falling victim to a sexual offence is a very daunting task.
Victims often feel alone, become withdrawn, and then isolate themselves from contact with others.
But they are not alone, and there is a support group for men and women, who meet once a month at the Linden police station to share their stories and help each other heal.
Headed by Martin Pelders, who started MatrixMen – a support group for male victims of rape based in Boskruin – the group has now also opened its doors to female victims with the help of trauma counsellor Ann Biccard.
“Thus far in South Africa, people have not spoken about the fact that men could possibly have been sexually abused in their lives before,” said Pelders.
These men then grow up feeling very lonely, very different, are often suicidal, and suffer from various addictions, post-traumatic stress disorders, and low self-esteem. They can also develop sexual identity problems.
“I am, myself, a survivor of sexual abuse and I know what men go through,” continued Pelders. “It’s not pleasant.”
“These support groups teach people who have suffered through such abuse that they can open up,” encourages Ann Biccard. “That they can cope, and that they can heal in order to live their lives to the full.”
Meetings will be held at Crescent Clinic on the last Tuesday of every month for men who would like to join. Meetings for the women’s support group will be held on the second Tuesday of every month at the Linden police station trauma room.
Dates:
Men – 24 June, 29 July and 26 August.
Women – 10 June, 8 July, and 12 August.
Details: Ann Biccard 061 027 1490 or Martin Pelders 078 457 4911.
