From
Victims to
Survivors
to
Thrivers, we're here to support male survivors of child abuse on their journey to healing and empowerment.
An Important Message from SOCA
After more than seven years of supporting adult survivors of child sexual abuse, the SOCA peer support service will cease operations on 1 October 2026.
This has been an incredibly difficult decision.
SOCA was established because there was nowhere else in Western Australia for any adult male survivors to turn. Over the past seven years, we have had the privilege of walking alongside hundreds of survivors as they shared their stories, often for the very first time. We have also supported partners, family members and others seeking to better understand the lifelong impacts of childhood abuse.
Unfortunately, despite the growing demand for support, it is no longer sustainable to continue operating the peer support service through volunteer effort alone.
If you are reading this because you are looking for support, please know this:
You are not alone.
Reaching out takes enormous courage, and we encourage you to continue seeking support.
Although SOCA's peer support service is closing, there are organisations and professionals who may be able to assist you. We have provided links to support services below and encourage you to make contact with one that feels right for you.
While our peer support service is ending, SOCA's advocacy will continue.
Chairperson Terry Martino will continue advocating for survivors and for improved services across Western Australia, including the Recommendations of the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee's Seeking Justice report.
To every survivor who trusted us with your story...
Thank you.
It has been an honour to walk beside you.
Although this chapter is ending, our belief in survivors—and our commitment to advocating for meaningful change—remains as strong as ever.
"Remember—what happened to you does not define who you are."
Need Support?
Mens Talk: men’s mental health and wellness.
Phoenix
Support service for survivors of child sexual abuse
Sexual Assault Resource Centre (SARC)
SARC counselling services
(08) 6458 1828
1800 199 888
- Were you sexually, physically or emotionally abused as a kid?
- Do you feel like you’re suffering in silence?
- Do you have feelings of shame or guilt?
- Do you feel like you were the only one?
- Are you suffering mentally, emotionally or physically?
As a Peer-to-Peer Support Group, we understand your struggles.
Join us in breaking the cycle and building a community that inspires.
Survivors of Child Abuse Support Group
Nobody wants to have that stigma or title of being a Child Abuse “Victim”.
We can’t change the past but we can help you through the hurdles of being a male “Survivor” of childhood abuse.
You can be more than just a survivor too, but a person that “Thrives!”
Because through adversity comes great strength!
It takes men, on average, 25.6 years to disclose their childhood abuse.
If you want to know more about the findings of the Royal Commission into Institutional Abuse, click here.
What can SOCA do for you?
We could simply offer an empathetic ear or help you find a professional therapist that specialises in childhood abuse victims.
Our Peer-to-Peer support group of other Male survivors with similar lived experiences can be a safe place to share your struggles and learn from others.
You may wish to bring your perpetrator/institution to justice which may mean criminal or civil litigation, accessing the National Redress Scheme or confronting your abuser. Whichever your choice, we can help you through it.
Our supporters and advocates are also working in the background to lobby for legislative review and change, improved funding and services for survivors and ensuring institutions act with integrity, empathy and accountability.
1 in 5 men were sexually abused as children.
You are not alone! (Source)
Are you a Victim or Survivor?
Learn more
Toolbox of things you can do to help yourself
Learn more
What if my mate or loved one is a child abuse survivor?
Learn more
