Montreal, May 15, 2024 – The ROQHAS is proud to announce the publication of its first report entitled Portrait des services et Besoins 2022-2023. Despite the existence of organization for men who have lived sexual violence in Quebec for over 25 years, this is the first report that focuses specifically on their reality. This is the first report that provides a portrait of organizations offering sexual services to men while focusing on the needs of these organizations. This report also presents a brief portrait of the issues lived by these men, supported by scientific literature.

This report is available today on our website, at roqhas.org, in the documentation section.

Little-known issues

Among the main issues raised in this report are the prevalence, consequences, disclosure issues, issues of masculinities, issues of victimization and the portrait of services. In Quebec, it is estimated that between 1 in 5 and 1 in 10 men have lived sexual violence in their lifetime. This proportion rises to 1 in 4 for GBTQ+ men and in post-secondary education settings. Outside of these two subgroups, there is little data on other groups of men at the intersection of other vulnerability factors, such as First Nations and Inuit men, trans men, immigrant men, men with disabilities, men sexually assaulted as adults, older men, etc. Current statistics largely underrepresent the actual number of these men since 80% of men who admitted to having lived sexually abusive behaviors directed at them did not identify this experience as sexual abuse. As a result, many men remain in the shadows and continue to live the consequences of those violences in silence.

Heterogeneous portraits of services

In Quebec, 19 community organizations, excluding CAVACs, offer services for men victims of sexual violence. 14 of the 17 administrative regions of Quebec are therefore covered by sexual violence services for men. Currently, there are no sexual violence services for men in Bas-Saint-Laurent, Côte-Nord and Nord-du-Québec. 

There are three types of organizations:

• Sexual violence organization for men
• Mixed sexual violence organization
• Organization for men offering a sexual violence service component

The portrait of services is highly heterogeneous. The reality of these organizations is different depending on their mission, their approach, their history, the admission criteria and the type of services offered. Despite their differences, the underfunding of these organizations is an issue shared by most ROQHAS organizations. For example, many ROQHAS organizations have not received any funding for their men’s sexual violence services component since the #MeToo social movement or the new government strategy on sexual violence. Thus, it turns out that there are many resources for these men but that they are still very little known by decision-makers and the population.

Organization’s Needs 

The needs identified by ROQHAS members highlight the importance of training the professionals, creating communities of practice, networking between organizations, adequate funding, greater visibility of this issue within society, and the need to conduct in-depth research to better understand this understudied reality.

To meet these needs, ROQHAS is making recommendations to provide possible solutions and improve consideration of men who have lived sexual violence in Quebec. This report is an important step in recognizing the issue of men sexual violence and in mobilizing society to respond appropriately.

ROQHAS, a reference on men who have lived sexual violence and their services.

ROQHAS wants to become an essential reference on the subject of men sexual violence and their services. The roqhas.org website allows the communication of information needed to find support resources and learn about the issue. A map of organizations is kept up to date to be a reference tool for the population and professionals. ROQHAS wishes to promote collaboration and be a committed and active partner in improving the situation of men in Quebec.

– About the Regroupement des organismes québécois pour les hommes agressés sexuellement (ROQHAS)-

Founded in 2020, the Regroupement des organismes québécois pour les hommes agressés sexuellement (ROQHAS)’s mission is to bring together community organizations dedicated to supporting men who have lived sexual violence in Quebec, as well as all professionals concerned by this reality. It currently represents more than twenty members. ROQHAS is primarily involved in promoting, funding, improving and developing services that are adapted to the needs and realities of men who have lived sexual violence.

Media Contact

For more information or to request an interview related to the report, you can contact:

Samuel Dussault

ROQHAS Director

samuel.dussault@roqhas.org

514-797-2787

Note: The statistics provided are taken from various sources that will be provided upon request.