Sexual violence is an issue that impacts the lives of boys and men as well as women and girls in all communities. Unwanted and abusive sexual experiences in childhood affect 1 in 6 men across categories defined by race, class, ethnicity, sexual orientation, culture, religion and other characteristics and traits.

As part of the activities to observe the 2015 Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), the National Latin@ Network for Healthy Families & Communities (NLN) is partnering with 1in6 to support an inclusive anti-sexual violence campaign by highlighting the experiences of Latino male survivors of sexual assault.

While the number of studies examining the impact of sexual violence on men is growing, research continues to be limited in quality and breadth. Low rates of reporting and self-help seeking behaviors among Latino men experiencing sexual violence may create the illusion that services are not needed.  

Latino male survivors can experience a variety of barriers to reporting and seeking help when dealing with this kind of violence. Some of these may include gender role expectations, biased systems of support, anti-immigrant sentiments, language barriers and other obstacles. Changing the norms that support gender based violence requires buy-in and insight from men of all ages and backgrounds.  

The NLN and 1 in 6 acknowledge the importance of engaging men, not only as activists and allies but as survivors, as an essential piece to ending sexual violence. Taking to heart this year’s theme It’s Time to Act, we’ll be conducting a series of events including a blog talk radio, webinars, blog posts and social media outreach to promote dialogue and support for male survivors of sexual violence and people who love them!  

Please join us Tuesday, April 7 for SAAMs National Day of Action as the NLN hosts a Spanish Blog Talk Radio in collaboration with 1 in 6 on “Support for Latino Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse”: A discussion about the unique barriers to disclosure of sexual abuse within the Latin@ communities with special guest Martha Lucia Marin, Managing Director of 1in6 and Pierre Berastaín, Communications and Marketing Coordinator, NLN.  We will also be repeating this conversation in English on Thursday April 9, Stay tuned!

The NLN is the culturally specific institute focusing on gender-based, family and community violence in Latin@ communities, a project of Casa de Esperanza. The NLN provides training and consultations to practitioners and activists throughout the US, as well as in Latin America. The NLN engages in federal and state public policy advocacy, and conducts research on issues that affect Latin@s in the US and abroad. www.nationalatinonetwork.org 

The mission of 1in6 is to help men who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences in childhood live healthier, happier lives by providing individuals,  family members, friends and partners with information and support resources on the web and in the community; and by providing training and technical assistance to service providers across the country. 

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 here.

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