Sexual Violence Against Men in Canada: Relational Challenges and Pathways to Resilience—Insights on Masculine Norms with Broader Implications

In recent decades, awareness of sexual violence against men has grown, yet research and services remain limited compared to those addressing women’s experiences. This qualitative study examined how male survivors in Canada navigate social connection, masculinity, and resilience following sexual violence. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, in-depth interviews were conducted with three men aged 40–70 who experienced sexual abuse beginning in childhood. The analysis generated six experiential themes—Nature of the Abuse, Impacts of the Abuse, Breaking the Silence, Healing Journey, Victim versus Survivor, and Life Today—alongside a central theme, Words of Wisdom, which captured survivors’ efforts to transform suffering into meaning and connection. Findings highlight how stigma, silence, and masculine norms disrupted trust and disclosure, while peer support, spirituality, and redefined understandings of masculinity fostered relational recovery. Although situated in Canada, the study offers broader insights into how men negotiate vulnerability, identity, and connection after sexual violence. These findings underscore the importance of relational, survivor-centred approaches in therapy, community support, and policy.