Surpassing Our Survival

Myth Vs. Reality

These are a few mistaken beliefs about male sexual  assault:

Myth - Male victims of sexual assault can never be normal again

Reality - Although sexual assault and child sexual abuse are very traumatic experiences, with help, people do move through the pain of this experience.  The important thing is that help is sought. Healing from sexual abuse is a long and painful, process; Dealing with it alone is very difficult.  Talking with someone who is supportive can help the individual cope with the emotional and psychological responses to the abuse.

Myth - Only homosexual men sexually assault men.

Reality - Most men who sexually assault other men identify themselves as heterosexual.  This fact helps to highlight another reality that sexual assault is about violence, anger, and control over another person; not lust or sexual attraction.

Myth - If the perpetrator is female, the boy or     adolescent should consider  himself fortunate to have been initiated into heterosexual activity.

Reality - Premature or coerced sex, whether by a mother, aunt, older sister, babysitter, or other     female in a position of power causes confusion at best.  To be used as a sexual object by a more powerful person, male or female, is abusive and damaging.

Available Services:

· Experienced counsellors

· Specialization in the effects of sexual violence

· Counselling for  men,  women, and youth 

· Third Party Reporting

· Educational groups and workshops

· Training and presentations

Circle Of Truth Mission Statement

The Circle Of Truth is a program based within the Surpassing Our Survival (S.O.S.) Society, which is a non-profit society, and whose Mission Statement is: To provide a safe and supportive environment to empower individuals affected by sexual abuse and sexual assault; and to promote and encourage    families and communities to break the cycle of sexual violence.

The Circle Of Truth works within the philosophy of the Surpassing Our Survival (S.O.S.) Society and provides therapeutic  services for males and females ages fourteen and older who have experienced sexual violence at some time in their lives.  We will provide counselling, education and support services to non-offending survivors of sexual violence and support for significant relatives and others of survivors. 

We will:

· Acquire and develop educational material     concerning sexual abuse/assault of survivors for dissemination to professionals and the community at large through workshops and training sessions.

· Ensure clear and consistent communication in dealing with other involved agencies or     professionals in order to guarantee comprehensive case management.

· Consult with community and government groups in the areas of prevention, therapy and other matters relating to sexual abuse and/or assault of all survivors.