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SAMSN

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SAMSN: Australia’s leading organisation for male survivors of child sexual abuse and their supporters. Unable to find such a group, they started SAMSN.

Survivors & Mates Support Network was founded in 2010 by a small group of male survivors, who were searching for a support group to meet other male survivors and deal with the effects of child sexual abuse on their lives. Working alongside professional counsellors with experience in working with male survivors, they commenced an eight-week group program for men. This professionally-facilitated peer support group program provided a much-needed safe space for men; it was (and is still) in great demand. These groups have provided a place for men to come together to meet other male survivors and find support, understanding and learning about child sexual abuse, its far-reaching impacts, and very importantly what helps in recovery and healing. Since 2011 SAMSN has run over 60 groups across Sydney, some regional NSW centres, in Adelaide and Canberra. SAMSN’s growing understanding of these impacts for men, the needs of male survivors, and what helps recovery has led to SAMSN establishing ongoing, professionally facilitated monthly meetings in a number of locations so that men have a safe environment to continue to have peer support in their recovery journey. SAMSN has also recognised that the trauma effects of abuse can make negotiating life’s challenges even more difficult. In 2014 SAMSN was able to employ professional staff to provide individual planned support to men and their supporters. This support includes working alongside survivors negotiating the criminal justice system or seeking redress or compensation, accessing Centrelink or housing services, or finding a suitable counsellor. The value of peer support has also been incorporated into our work with peer support workers available to walk alongside survivors as well as our planned support team. We are proud to see the network continues to grow. In 2019 we were able to begin outreach out to male survivors in more regional areas of NSW and beyond, and particularly our Aboriginal and Torres Strait male survivors to expand our work with the families and friends of survivors. SAMSN SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE POLICY

PURPOSE
This policy sets out the terms of use for effective and safe mediation of social media usage by SAMSN. SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media describes the online and mobile tools people use to share knowledge, information, opinions, experiences and various forms of media. The term also includes any online media allowing for user participation, interaction or publishing. Social media is often shared across a diverse range of ‘platforms’, including websites, video-sharing sites, public forums, message boards, social networking sites, and sites designed to promote information and advice through the use of ‘posts’. SAMSN uses social media to stay in touch with our followers and inform the public of who we are. Our social media includes Facebook, YouTube and our official website (these are outlined below).
- Website
- Facebook
- YouTube

SAMSN also uses online networking sites such as Skype and ZOOM to connect with clients living in regional and remote areas, or who are overseas. Service provision over these forms of media are identical to those provided by SAMSN over the phone. All content on our pages is subject to individual terms of use as outlined by each social media provider. By interacting with SAMSN’s online social media platform, you agree to the terms and conditions of use of the relevant social media provider. QUERIES AND ADVICE
Social media is an excellent place to obtain information and keep up to date with SAMSN news and achievements. However, if you have a direct or personal inquiry, SAMSN prefers to speak with you by phone, email or contact support form as these are more closely monitored and answered frequently. Please see the relevant contact information below.
- Phone: 02 8355 3711 / 1800 472 676
- Email: [email protected]
Queries can also be directed through Facebook Messenger and will be replied to when possible. GUIDELINES FOR SAFELY USING SOCIAL MEDIA
We ask that you do the following when engaging with SAMSN on social media:
- Be respectful when making posts or comments
- Post only general information without any allusion to confidential information about yourself or anybody else
- Make posts relevant to SAMSN services
- Take time to ensure that anything you post is factually correct and accurate
- When sharing your knowledge, or any tips and advice, ensure that you provide the relevant resources while doing so
- If sharing photos on social media, check that you have permission to post from those in the photo

We ask that you refrain from the following:
- Using SAMSN logo and brand as your own
- Publishing, posting, distributing any defamatory posts, remarks or comments about others
- Posting potentially harmful information, such as specific details regarding medication, references to self-harm, sexual abuse or violence
- Engaging in arguments
- Impersonating any other person
- Uploading files or attachments known to contain viruses, corrupted files or anything
that may damage the operation of another’s computer or compromise SAMSN’s website
- Spamming SAMSN’s social media accounts with identical or nonsensical messages
- Using triggering language

If you have feedback or a complaint about SAMSN’s use of social media, please contact us as per our contact details above. SAMSN RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBLITIES
- SAMSN reserves the right to delete any posts, comments or replies deemed offensive, inappropriate, derogatory or defamatory, as well as explicit content or attachments
- SAMSN reserves the right to delete any posts that are racist, sexist, homophobic, judgmental or biased towards others
- SAMSN staff can remove any posts that are unrelated to SAMSN’s services, inappropriate for discussion, spam, advertising, promoting other products or for commercial gain
- In the event of harassment of other clients or repetitive negative or threatening behavior, access to SAMSN social media profiles can be terminated and the person can be prevented from accessing SAMSN mediums or engaging with other clients
- SAMSN will contact you in the event of a post, reply or comment suggesting harm, self-harm or abuse. Please refer to the following link regarding terms of use for social media, including information collected, privacy considerations, and risks: https://www.facebook.com/policies_center/

Overall, SAMSN aims to make its social media a network of kind, generous and helpful individuals.

15/10/2026

“You’re not the only one.”

This Global Peer Support Day, we’re celebrating the people who listen, share and use their lived experience to help others feel less alone.

Sometimes connection starts with simply knowing: someone else gets it.

A huge thank you to all our amazing SAMSN Peer Workers who generously draw on their lived experience to support, connect with and walk alongside others.

Your work makes a difference.

14/10/2026

National Carers Week 2026

Care for a Carer: Making Carers Visible

Behind many survivors is someone providing care, support, understanding and encouragement. Carers, partners, family members and friends often walk alongside loved ones through the impacts of trauma, while managing their own wellbeing and responsibilities.

This National Carers Week, we recognise the often unseen contributions of carers and acknowledge that supporting someone else can be rewarding, challenging and emotionally demanding.

Carers need support too.

At SAMSN, we offer counselling and support services for partners, family members and other supporters of men who have experienced childhood sexual abuse. Having a space to talk, reflect and receive support can make a meaningful difference to your own wellbeing while continuing to care for someone you love.

Let's make carers visible by recognising their contribution, checking in on their wellbeing, and ensuring they know support is available for them too.

Learn more about SAMSN's support services: https://samsn.org.au/supporters/support-for-supporters/counselling-for-supporters/

11/10/2026

World Homeless Day

When we see someone sleeping rough, we rarely see the story that brought them there.

For some survivors of childhood sexual abuse, homelessness is one part of a lifelong journey of surviving trauma. Leaving unsafe environments, experiencing family rejection, struggling with mental health, or living without a support network can all increase vulnerability to becoming homeless.

Today, we ask our community to look beyond assumptions and respond with empathy.

Small actions matter:

• Treat people with dignity and respect
• Support local housing and outreach services
• Donate what you can
•Advocate for safe, affordable housing for everyone
• Learn about the impact of trauma

No one should have to choose between either safety or having a roof over their head.

01/10/2026

This October is Mental Health Month: Together We Thrive

This Mental Health Month, we're reflecting on a core SAMSN belief: survivors of childhood sexual abuse can recover, support others to thrive, and be leaders for change.

Connection, community and shared understanding help create the conditions for healing and growth. Together, we can build a world where people feel supported, valued and hopeful about the future.

29/09/2026

Redress applications close on 30 June 2027

For many men, it can take years, even decades, before they speak about the abuse.

There is no deadline for healing. But there is a deadline to apply for Redress.

If you experienced sexual abuse in an institution as a child or young person, you may be eligible to apply to the National Redress Scheme.

SAMSN supports men at every stage of the process — we collaborate with you in a way that is trauma‑informed. We can help you to:

🔍 Understand your options
📝 Prepare your application
🤝 Access support along the way

Reaching out can feel like a big step.

You don’t have to do it alone.

🔗 www.samsn.org.au
📧 [email protected]
📞 1800 472 676

21/09/2026

Are you a supporter looking for answers?

Have you ever wondered:

* What do I say when someone I care about discloses childhood sexual abuse?
* How can I best support the survivor in my life?
* Why does trauma continue to affect someone years later?
* How can we navigate challenges in our relationship?
* Where can I go for support when I'm feeling overwhelmed?

If you're supporting a male survivor of childhood sexual abuse, you don't have to figure it all out on your own.

SAMSN offers free short-term counselling for supporters.

Whether you're a partner, parent, family member, friend, or another important person in a survivor's life, our counsellors can provide a safe space to ask questions, explore challenges, build understanding, and focus on your own wellbeing.

Counselling is available for up to six sessions, delivered via telehealth or in person.

Supporting someone else can be meaningful, but it can also be difficult. Seeking support for yourself is not taking away from them.

Contact SAMSN to learn more about Supporter Counselling.

📞 Free call: 1800 472 676

16/09/2026

Help shape research into the experiences of male survivors of child sexual abuse within the Australian legal system.

Researchers from the University of Tasmania are seeking participants for a study exploring experiences of legal proceedings involving child sexual abuse.

The study is looking for:

🔹 Male survivors who have had experiences with Australian legal systems in NSW, Victoria or Tasmania.

🔹 Criminal justice professionals (including lawyers, psychologists, police, psychiatrists and others) who have worked with male survivors during legal proceedings.

Participation involves:
• A short online screening survey (10-15 minutes)
• A confidential one-on-one interview (online or in person)
• A $50 gift card in recognition of your time

If you would like to learn more or complete the screening survey:

Male survivors:
https://redcap.link/survivingcourt

Criminal justice professionals:
https://redcap.link/survivingcourt_KeyActors

This study has been approved by the University of Tasmania Human Research Ethics Committee (H40200).

14/09/2026

What if one conversation could help accelerate your recovery journey?

Many men who complete SAMSN's Eight-week Support Group tell us it felt like "supercharging their recovery."

Through connection, shared understanding, and practical tools, participants often discover they're not alone and don't have to carry everything by themselves.

Our next Eight-week Support Groups start in October:
📍 Erskineville (NSW)
💻 Online

Because recovery doesn't happen in isolation. It happens in community.

Learn more: https://samsn.org.au

11/09/2026

Bravehearts Day 2026

Friday 11 September, we join Bravehearts Day in raising awareness of child sexual abuse and the importance of preventing harm, supporting survivors, and breaking the silence.

At SAMSN, our trike logo is a reminder that every adult survivor was once a child. The trike represents the freedom, confidence, safety, and joy that children deserve as they grow. Child sexual abuse can take away those important rites of passage, impacting a child's sense of safety and belonging.

This Bravehearts Day, we stand with survivors, families, advocates, and organisations across Australia working towards a future where children are safe and supported.

Every child deserves the chance to grow up feeling safe, connected, and free to thrive.

💜 Learn more about Bravehearts Day: https://www.braveheartsday.com.au/

Learn more about the story behind the SAMSN trike: https://samsn.org.au/our-history-logo/

10/09/2026

World Su***de Prevention Day 2026 - Changing the Narrative on Su***de

For many survivors of child sexual abuse, experiences of suicidality are shaped by trauma, shame, isolation, and the feeling of carrying painful experiences alone. Yet too often these experiences remain unseen and unspoken.

This World Su***de Prevention Day, we're joining the call to change the narrative on su***de.

Changing the narrative means moving away from asking "What's wrong with you?" and instead asking "What has happened to you?"

It means recognising the impact of trauma, creating spaces where survivors are believed, and ensuring people can access support that is safe, trauma-informed, and responsive to their needs.

The findings from SAMSN's Roundtable in September 2025 on the intersections of child sexual abuse, suicidality and violence highlighted that hope, connection and support can make a profound difference. Survivors can heal, recover, become leaders for change, and build meaningful lives beyond trauma.

No one should have to face suicidal thoughts alone.

If you're struggling, reaching out is a sign of strength. If someone shares that they're struggling, listening with compassion can make a difference.

Recovery is possible. Hope matters. Connection saves lives.

If you or someone you know could benefit from support, SAMSN provides a range of programs and services for male survivors of child sexual abuse and their supporters, including peer support, counselling, and community connection.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000. For 24/7 crisis support contact Lifeline on ☎️13 11 14.

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Address

Ground Floor, 8-10 Palmer Street
Parramatta, NSW
2150

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+611800472676

Website

http://www.samsn.org.au/, https://linktr.ee/samsn_aus

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