For Males
CARE is dedicated to promoting healthy masculinity by challenging harmful norms and fostering self-awareness. Through advocacy, support, and education, CARE ensures male that have been impacted by interpersonal violence receive the recognition, resources, and support they deserve.
A Message from Our Healthy Masculinity Program Coordinator
My name is Malin Heppert and I am the Healthy Masculinity Program Coordinator at the CARE Office. Across the world, many believe that interpersonal violence (IPV) issues and experiences only impact women. However, interpersonal violence can impact people of all genders and identities. While we understand that statistically women experience IPV more often than men, we recognize that men can be victims as well. To our male survivors: we see you, we support you, and we believe you. For men that have not experienced IPV, it is important that we step up to the plate to support and protect those who have been impacted. Believing and listening to survivors, calling out harmful comments, and intervening in uncomfortable or harmful situations can make a major impact on creating a safe and supportive community. We all have a role to play in creating a safe environment for our Seahawk community and beyond. Are you ready to join us in the fight against violence?
The Healthy Masculinity Cohort
This Fall, the CARE Office will be launching its first Healthy Masculinity Cohort. This 6-session program is an opportunity for students to engage in a unique leadership development program designed exclusively for male-identified students who are eager to grow as leaders, engage in meaningful discussions around manhood, and gain a better understanding of themselves and the world around them.
The goals of this program are as follows:
- Increase understanding and awareness of one's personal masculinity and those around them.
- Create a sense of belonging on campus and in the greater community.
- Increase bystander intervention skills and the ability to respond to a variety of situations.
- Develop leadership skills that can be carried into their academic spaces and extracurricular activities.
If you know a student who would be a great fit for this opportunity, we encourage you to nominate them here.
Male Survivors
Men experiencing interpersonal violence (IPV) often face unique challenges, including societal stigma and stereotypes that discourage them from seeking help, as well as a lack of tailored support services. Barriers could include:
- Stigma and Stereotypes: Society often tells men they need to be strong and self reliant, which can make it difficult for them to admit or even recognize they are victims of interpersonal violence. This stigma can prevent men from acknowledging and/or seeking help and resources.
- Fear of Not Being Believed: Men may fear that their experience will be dismissed or not taken seriously, especially if the harm-doer was a woman. This fear can discourage them from reporting violence.
- Questioning Sexuality/Internalized Homophobia: Sexual violence can cause feelings of confusion or questioning about sexuality. Because many believe that only gay men can be victims of sexual violence, a heterosexual survivor may think he must be or will become gay, if the harm doer was male-identified. It is important to remember that sexual violence is about power and control, not sexual orientation. People do not "become gay" as a result of sexual violence.
- Cultural Expectations: Traditional gender roles and cultural expectations can pressure men to "tough it out" or "man up". The belief that men shouldn't show vulnerability or express emotions can make it more difficult for them to reach out for help.
- Lack of Support Services: Many support services are designed primarily for women, this can make it difficult for men to find appropriate resources and support.
- Internalized Shame: Men may feel ashamed or embarrassed about being victims of violence, which can lead to feelings of isolation and reluctance to talk about what happened.
- Maladaptive Coping Skills: Coping mechanisms and attempts to numb emotions can include denial, substance use, isolation, and aggression and can be more common amongst men in the aftermath of experiencing interpersonal violence. These maladaptive coping skills can contribute to further difficulties. Finding healthier coping strategies can be helpful for healing and overall well-being.
We stand firmly with male survivors of interpersonal violence, recognizing their experiences, validating their voices, and ensuring they receive the same belief, respect, and support as anyone else.
If you have experienced interpersonal violence:
- Contact a CARE advocate at 910.512.4821. We are a confidential resource on campus that can provide support, discuss options, and connect you to appropriate resources.
- You do not have to report the incident to receive support. CARE, Abrons Student Health Center, and the Counseling Center in Depaolo Hall are all confidential resources on campus where you can receive support without reporting.
- It can be helpful to seek medical attention, as there may be injuries you are unaware of. Anonymous SANE exams are available at the hospital.
- To report the incident, call University Police at 911 or 910.962.2222.
- If you would like to keep a record of the incident, without reporting, Callisto is a resource that is not affiliated with any university but can safely and confidentially store any information you'd like to share. This encrypted database is exclusive to college students and can trace patterns of repeat offenders.
We stand firmly with male survivors of interpersonal violence, recognizing their experiences, validating their voices, and ensuring they receive the same belief, respect, and support as anyone else.
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