Millions of people people around the world have found that hotlines, helplines, and various kinds of peer support have "saved their lives," given them the hope and support they need to carry on, and greatly helped them to face painful pasts and deal with current problems.
However, as mentioned on the main Finding Help page, and as indicated by the names of the organizations and websites below, they often make assumptions about definitions, labels, and even people's identities. Only you can determine whether that's OK with you or presents some problems, however easy or difficult to overcome, in terms of getting the help you are seeking.
Also, some peer chat and discussion forums are not helpful for some men. Some feel like other participants are somehow fundamentally unlike them. Some are freaked out by what others are saying, have bad memories triggered, and/or feel misunderstood and even attacked by others. Of course this may not be the case, and online peer support can be extremely helpful in many ways. But for some men, sometimes, it doesn't work out that way.
As always, we recommend that you pace yourself, take what works for you and leave or ignore whatever doesn't.
Finally, if you are in immediate danger, of seriously harming yourself or being harmed by someone else, we recommending calling 911 or going to the nearest hospital emergency room.
RAINN: Free confidential support is available 24/7. You can use RAINN's phone hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or their 'online hotline.'This service automatically links callers and chat users to local counseling centers in your area with trained staff members who know about (1) the effects of unwanted or abusive childhood sexual experiences, (3) issues and concerns specific to men, and (3) available local services. All calls and chats are confidential, and callers/hotline users are encouraged to remain anonymous.
MaleSurvivor: Overcoming Sexual Victimization of Boys & Men - Their mission is "preventing, healing, and eliminating all forms of sexual victimization of boys and men through treatment, research, education, advocacy, and activism." Their site has many resources, including a Discussion Board with forums moderated by very experienced therapists.
isurvive.org - Abuse Survivors Learning to Thrive - Volunteer-run web site and non-profit organization provides a forum for people to help each other by sharing their experiences, struggles and hard-earned wisdom. There are online chats and forums, including for those struggling with addictions and those who are abusing others, as well as friends and family members.
National Association for People Abused in Childhood - UK organization with an anonymous and confidential helpline.
AMSOSA (Adult Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse) - Another UK site with an anonymous and confidential helpline.
Survivors UK - For over twenty years, has been providing information, support and counselling for men who have been sexually abused or raped. Thousands of men contact their Helpline each year.