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Men and Trauma New Zealand
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  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our Vision and Mission
    • Testimonials
    • Clinicians
    • Volunteers
    • Charitable status
    • Leadership Team
  • Difficulties?
    • I'm really struggling with >
      • Child Abuse History
      • Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
      • Domestic, Family or Intimate Partner Violence
      • Anger and Rage after Trauma
      • Anxiety and Depression
      • What is Sexual Abuse? >
        • Have I Been Sexually Abused?
        • Disclosing Sexual Abuse
        • Child Sexual Abuse
        • Male Sexual Abuse in New Zealand >
          • Facts VS. Myths
          • 17 Reasons
        • Sexual Harm
      • Addictions
      • Feeling Numb
    • What do we mean by Trauma
  • Services
    • Individual Counselling
    • Peer Support Groups
    • Therapy Programmes
    • Rainbow, LGBTQI+ & Takatāpui Services
    • Tell Us Your Story
    • Fees
  • Resources
    • Blogs
    • E-newsletter
    • Rainbow Takatāpui: Resources
    • Academic Research
    • Recommended Websites
    • Articles
    • Media Videos
    • Intranet
  • Contact Us
    • Do You Require Urgent Assistance?
    • Make an Appointment
    • Peer Support
    • Professional Referrals
    • Feedback
    • Testimonials
    • Complaints

What is Peer support?

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​​​Peer Support can be defined as the help and support fellow survivors of sexual abuse provide each other. It's different from the relationship you have with a clinician or qualified counsellor.

The Peer Support dynamic is very special and powerful in your journey to healing and recovery from sexual abuse.
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Peer Support can be social, emotional or practical support. With Peer Support, we are all on the same playing field. 

Strength is gained from sharing with another who has walked where you are now walking. People engage with each for support that is based on mutual learning from their shared lived experience. The support may include a mix of self-help, mutual (one on one) support, group support and mentoring initiatives. 
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​This is what makes Peer Support so crucial in the recovery process. There is no stigma, no isolation and no shame. Just shared experience and the solidarity that can only be shared between men who have experienced sexual abuse, child abuse or other violence. 

Many male survivors of abuse face difficulties in their relationships with friends, family/whanau and workmates and experience problems interacting with support service providers. Effective peer support hinges on safe and trusted relationship between the individual and their peer-support-worker that can provide a real opportunity for stability from chaos and true healing.

Can I get peer support if I am seeing a therapist?
Peer support is not counselling. You can get peer support while seeing your therapist.

Click here to learn more about how you can meet a Peer Support Worker and maybe join a Peer Support Group and what the process would be like.
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​If you are a survivor of child abuse, sexual abuse, or other violence, Men and Trauma can offer you:
  • One-to-One Peer Support
  • Peer Support Group Meetings for Males who have experienced Abuse and Trauma
  • Peer Support Group Meetings for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse

Outside Wellington you may want to join one of our Zoom groups.

If you are a survivor of sexual abuse anywhere in New Zealand, you can share in our Confidential Listening Service via phone, txt, email or any online method. We can also direct you toward support services in your area.

Key Benefits of Peer Support
We believe that Peer Support works best in combination with counselling and other therapy.

​Benefits of Peer Support  include:
  • Shared connection, empathy and respect. We know what you're going through. We've been there too.
  • Increased self-confidence and self-esteem
  • Reduced depression and anxiety
  • Increased socialisation and reduced isolation
  • Improved relationships
  • Getting your anger under control
  • Reduction in harmful use of alcohol and/or drugs
  • Understanding the impacts of abuse
  • Getting more from friendships and family relationships
  • ​Increased ability to trust yourself and others​
  • Reduced self-destructive behaviour
  • Decreased negative behaviours.

How do I join a group?
You can join a male peer support group by talking to one of trained peer support workers.
Men contact  by phone, txt, Facebook chat, our booking form or through someone they know. A peer worker will then contact you to arrange an Individual or One to One support session. This session can be by in person or by whichever method you prefer. In the session the peer worker will explain the various support options we provide. They will help you decide what path forward is best for you: this may be receiving individual peer support, joining a group or seeing one of our counsellors or therapists.

Click HERE to learn more about how you can meet a Peer Support Worker or maybe join a Peer Support Group and what the process is like.

"If you're ready to move forward into a life free from the abuse you suffered, search out others who can truly support you on your journey.”- Anonymous
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