#MenToo movement

 

#MenToo is a growing trend on social media where men are starting to speak out about being sexually assaulted early in life, according to CBC news.

The movement is taking off in Ontario according to a CBC article and the Windsor Sexual Assault Crisis Centre is encouraging men to come and see them if they need help. The MenToo movement has allowed more of an open discussion about sexual assault has allowed it to become more acceptable to be discussed according to Carol Branget, the children’s program social worker at the SACC.

The agency has been open to the public for more than 30 years, with the government funding services for men since 2011 with the movement becoming bigger, the agency hopes it opens the door for more men to come forward.

“For a long time there has been a stigma and it’s been harder for men to talk about it than women and there’s sort of a stereotype that men are supposed to be strong and brave and those kind of things can’t happen to men and they feel guilt and shame around it,” said Branget.

Lydia Fiorini, the executive director of the SACC says only 10 to 15 per cent of men come to see them.

“Anywhere from 10 to 15 per cent of men come in to get support. It’s sad because all the stereotypes are men, they are supposed to be strong and be able to protect themselves and they’re not supposed to get hurt,” said Fiorini.

Fiorini said she believes with the help of their services men can overcome any obstacles they face.

“What is funded for men is the crisis intervention, face to face counseling, group counseling, and they can actually access phone counseling as well as Skype,” said Fiorini.

They encourage people to call them at 519-253-3100 and their website is www.saccwindsor.net.