PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release

Launch of the 2026 Awareness Campaign by the Regroupement des organismes québécois pour hommes agressés sexuellement (ROQHAS)

Sherbrooke, November 4, 2026 – ROQHAS is proud to announce the launch of its provincial awareness campaign, taking place from November 5 to 19, 2026. For this 2nd edition, ROQHAS highlights its member organizations that offer services to men who have experienced sexual violence, giving a voice to frontline professionals. While the chosen theme remains the same as last year, it offers a different perspective, as frontline workers directly answer the question: En parler, ça change quoi?

The objective of this campaign is to share another facet of the reality experienced by male victims and survivors, to encourage help-seeking, and to showcase the richness and diversity of ROQHAS’s network of specialized organizations. To watch the video capsules, please visit the following link: https://roqhas.org/enparlercachangequoi/

In Quebec, 1 in 6 men will experience at least one instance of sexual violence during his lifetime. The consequences can manifest as a wide range of long-term negative impacts on mental health, physical health, daily life, and interpersonal relationships. We know that men are less likely to disclose abuse when it occurs, and when they do, it takes them longer to do so. Shame and fears surrounding disclosure remain prevalent, despite increased awareness of sexual violence in recent years. This is why continued awareness efforts are essential—to normalize the help-seeking process and share examples of positive transformations in those who have reached out for support.

Talking about it: what does it change?

“Pour moi, en parler c’est passer du mode survie à vivre en fait, changer les choses. “

— Excerpt from the testimony of Geneviève, sexologist and psychotherapist at CETAS

Men who have experienced sexual violence deserve access to high-quality support services across Quebec. Recognizing their experiences, understanding the extent of the impacts, and addressing their needs—regardless of their background—promotes their well-being while helping build a more inclusive and caring society. ROQHAS, along with its members and partners, works tirelessly to eliminate barriers to seeking help and to provide essential support for these men.

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For more information or interview requests:

Eve-Marie Roy, Communications Lead, ROQHAS – communication@roqhas.org

About ROQHAS

The Regroupement des organismes québécois pour les hommes agressés sexuellement (ROQHAS) is dedicated to uniting community organizations providing support to men who have experienced sexual violence in Quebec. For more information, visit: https://roqhas.org/