BC Society of Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse (BCSMSSA)

The British Columbia Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse (BCSMSSA) is a non-profit society established to provide therapeutic services for males who have been sexually abused at some time in their lives. As specifically outlined in our constitution, our purposes are to:

• Provide treatment and support services to male survivors of sexual abuse and support significant-others and relatives of the survivors.
• Acquire and develop educational material concerning sexual abuse of males.
• Gather statistics for dissemination to professionals and the community at large.
• Assist in establishing within British Columbia new agencies dealing with male survivors of sexual abuse by providing training opportunities, whenever possible, to interested personnel.
• Ensure clear, consistent communication in dealing with other involved agencies or professionals in order to guarantee comprehensive case management.
• Consult with community and government groups in the areas of prevention, treatment, therapy, and other matters relating to sexual abuse of males.

History

In 1989, Don Wright established the Victoria Male Survivors of Sexual Assault Society, the first agency of its kind in Canada created to treat male survivors of sexual abuse.  The following year, Don Wright partnered with Stephanie Tofield and together they founded the Vancouver Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse.

Then in 1997 they united the Victoria and Vancouver societies to form the British Columbia Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse (BCSMSSA).

In 2017, after 28 years as Executive Director, Don Wright left his position to head the Education Division of BCSMSSA and Stephanie Tofield continues to chair the Board of Directors.