As is true with the process of healing from childhood trauma, finding a community of partners has been key to the success of the work of 1in6 since our founding days, over seven years ago. 

Our first partnership was with The Men's Project (TMP) in Canada, as we were working to develop a training curriculum.  We continue to partner today with TMP, and in fact had the good fortune to be involved as they launched their national initiative, 1in6 Canada.

Shortly thereafter we joined forces with Big Voice Pictures, and began using their groundbreaking film "Boys & Men Healing."  Again, we continue to partner with BVP to raise awareness about the possibility of living a meaningful, happy and productive life, after experiencing abuse. We  most recently screened "Boys & Men Healing" at Penn State for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Another long-standing partnership has been with the Joyful Heart Foundation, which began almost five years ago. We worked together to create and distribute co-brandable printed materials to individuals and organizations who needed them, all at no cost.  It was through this partnership that 1in6 became involved with the NO MORE campaign, at first by being named to the national advisory board.  

As time passed, and as NO MORE began to develop an awareness campaign about sexual violence, 1in6 was invited to participate in the creation of print PSAs that would speak to our issue specifically.  Much work has happened since the anti-sexual-violence movement began, and it is gratifying to see that 1in6 has had a small part in beginning to move the needle (if even just a bit) to shed more light on the needs men who may have suffered unwanted or abusive sexual experiences in childhood.  

To that end, this Sunday, April 27th could prove to be a milestone moment in our work, as USA Networks, along with the NO MORE campaign, will be airing a day-long Law & Order: SVU marathon with powerful PSAs before and after each episode, some of them about the work of 1in6 specifically.  

We have enjoyed the partnership of a number of individuals and organizations, too numerous to mention all of them. But suffice it to say that our work has been made easier, and our services made better, because of those important alliances.

I invite all of our partners and the men we serve to celebrate this milestone moment, and look forward to continued success as we work in partnership to serve those most in need. Together, we can help all those who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences in childhood live healthier, happier lives. 

- By Steve LePore

Steve LePore is the Founder and Executive Director of 1in6.

The mission of 1in6 is to help men who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences in childhood live healthier, happier lives.

1in6's mission also includes serving family members, friends and partners by providing information and support resources on the web and in the community.

Joyful Heart and 1in6 invite you to visit 1in6.org for info, options and hope, and to learn more about our partnership and Engaging Men initiative at joyfulheartfoundation.org/men.

The views expressed above are not necessarily those of the Joyful Heart Foundation or 1in6.