SAMSN

SAMSN 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 pee

r 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.

At SAMSN, we see courage in the survivor who takes a first step towards support. We see it in the person who finds their...
28/08/2026

At SAMSN, we see courage in the survivor who takes a first step towards support. We see it in the person who finds their voice after years of silence. We see it in those who choose healing, connection and hope, even when the journey feels difficult.

We also see courage in our Peer Support Team. These are survivors who use their lived experience to stand alongside others, offering understanding, encouragement and the powerful message: you are not alone. Their willingness to help others while continuing their own healing journey is a remarkable act of courage and generosity.

Our purpose is to build a support network that gives voice and agency to survivors and their supporters. Every conversation, every shared story, and every act of peer support help to create a community where survivors can be heard, believed and empowered.

This Wear It Purple Day, we celebrate all the colours of courage: 💜 The courage to speak. 💜 The courage to heal. 💜 The courage to ask for support. 💜 The courage to support others.

Together, we are building a world where every survivor can find connection, hope and belonging.

Growth After Trauma Is PossibleThe impact of childhood sexual abuse can be profound and long-lasting. Yet many survivors...
23/08/2026

Growth After Trauma Is Possible

The impact of childhood sexual abuse can be profound and long-lasting. Yet many survivors describe not only healing, but growth.

Researchers call this post-traumatic growth. It does not mean the trauma was positive, nor does it minimise the pain and challenges survivors may face. Instead, it recognises the ways some people find new strength, meaning and connection as they move through their recovery journey.

At SAMSN, we believe: "Survivors of childhood sexual abuse can recover, support others to thrive and be leaders for change."

Recovery is not about returning to who you were before trauma. It is about creating space for healing, growth and a meaningful future.

For many male survivors of child sexual abuse, loneliness can feel familiar. Trauma can make it difficult to trust, reac...
03/08/2026

For many male survivors of child sexual abuse, loneliness can feel familiar. Trauma can make it difficult to trust, reach out, or let others in. This Loneliness Week, we invite you to make room for connection, whatever that looks like for you. It might be a conversation with someone you trust, joining a support group, or booking a call with SAMSN's Peer Support Phone Line.
You don't have to face things on your own. Small moments of connection can remind us that support, understanding, and hope are possible.
💙Make room for connection.
💙 Make room for support.
💙 Make room for healing.

MeetUps are run by , and offer a space for survivors to connect with one another and share lived experiences.Date: 1st ...
26/07/2026

MeetUps are run by , and offer a space for survivors to connect with one another and share lived experiences.

Date: 1st Monday of the month
Time: 6pm - 7:30pm*
Location: Parramatta Aquatic Centre (exact location to be provided upon registration).
-
The MeetUp formally concludes at 7:30pm, but participants are welcome to stay for the next half an hour to further connect with one another and/or ask questions.

Talking is hard, but it doesn’t have to be. At SAMSN, we’ve walked and talked alongside many survivors of child sexual a...
09/07/2026

Talking is hard, but it doesn’t have to be. At SAMSN, we’ve walked and talked alongside many survivors of child sexual abuse who carried it alone. Our Peer Support team are ready to support you with genuine, one-to-one conversation. Reach out if you would like to speak with a mate who can relate.

This NAIDOC Week, we honour and celebrate the strength, culture and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ...
05/07/2026

This NAIDOC Week, we honour and celebrate the strength, culture and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year’s theme, “50 Years of Deadly,” recognises five decades of resilience, truth‑telling, and community leadership, and the generations of people who have carried culture, identity and resistance forward.

At SAMSN, we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and work. We pay our respect to Elders past and present, and to First Nations communities whose knowledge, culture and connection to Country continue to guide and strengthen us.

We recognise that healing, justice and community are deeply connected to culture, identity and belonging. During NAIDOC Week — and always — we stand alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, listening, learning, and supporting self‑determined pathways to healing and wellbeing.

🔈 News and updates you don't want to miss.📧 Not subscribed yet? Join our mailing list via https://bit.ly/4gTLoQN ...
03/07/2026

🔈 News and updates you don't want to miss.

📧 Not subscribed yet? Join our mailing list via https://bit.ly/4gTLoQN

This Working with Children Week, we reflect on how safer systems start early, through thoughtful recruitment, supervisio...
21/06/2026

This Working with Children Week, we reflect on how safer systems start early, through thoughtful recruitment, supervision, strong values, and ongoing support.

At SAMSN, we support approaches that prioritise child safety and accountability. Recent NSW reforms to remove “good character references” as a factor taken into account in sentencing is an important step toward reducing harm for survivors.

Child safety is built through people, culture, and systems, every day.

Winter can be tough, especially when days feel shorter and darker. Be kind to yourself. Getting through the day is enoug...
21/06/2026

Winter can be tough, especially when days feel shorter and darker.
Be kind to yourself. Getting through the day is enough. 🧡

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

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