A Community Standing Together
I have been feeling the need to say some things (nothing new there!), and so I will, and hope people will understand. Lately, I have been spending a lot more time reading stories and posts, as well as taking the time to welcome new people to MaleSurvivor. I have to say that this has been important for me. So many stories relating the devastating pain of abuse, and the effects it leaves behind. Stories about things that never should have been. Stories about the struggle to find healing and a way forward. And I see how the men here jump in and reach out to those new people, and to old friends on here.
Recently, I was browsing a website that offers resources to survivors and ran across this post (that had no name attached):
"Being committed to an online community of male abuse survivors matters because it gives each man a place where he doesn’t have to hide. It’s a space where we can speak without shame and begin to break our silence. And since we all benefit from this support, we need to remember that we are one together. Loyalty is part of that—showing up, staying connected, and not walking away when someone needs us. Even small signs of support help. This commitment tells every man that he is seen, that he belongs, and that he doesn’t have to heal alone."
I think that says a lot of what I am feeling. I would add something like this as well: When I came to MaleSurvivor, I came with nothing but my abuse in my hand. The men here invested themselves in helping me. So from here on out, I need to invest in the members here, new and old.
Recently, I was browsing a website that offers resources to survivors and ran across this post (that had no name attached):
"Being committed to an online community of male abuse survivors matters because it gives each man a place where he doesn’t have to hide. It’s a space where we can speak without shame and begin to break our silence. And since we all benefit from this support, we need to remember that we are one together. Loyalty is part of that—showing up, staying connected, and not walking away when someone needs us. Even small signs of support help. This commitment tells every man that he is seen, that he belongs, and that he doesn’t have to heal alone."
I think that says a lot of what I am feeling. I would add something like this as well: When I came to MaleSurvivor, I came with nothing but my abuse in my hand. The men here invested themselves in helping me. So from here on out, I need to invest in the members here, new and old.
