“The Bristlecone Project: Men Overcoming Sexual Abuse and Assault” is an emotionally powerful, inspiring, and hopeful film that explores men’s experiences with and dynamic recoveries from traumatic sexual experiences. The film is followed by an interactive discussion of challenges male survivors face.

Participants explore:

• Internal and socialized barriers to accessing effective treatment
• Influences of intersectional identities on impact and response
• Concrete examples of progress and success recovering from past traumatic experiences

This 30-min documentary film is a powerful vehicle for raising awareness about men’s potential to reclaim healthy, meaningful lives after experiencing sexual abuse or assault. The film can also be featured as a stand-alone screening or as a teaching aid.

Objectives

• Identify 4 barriers related to the socialized norms about manhood that may make it challenging for men to seek help for having been sexually abused or assaulted
• Describe 3 possible long-term effects of male sexual abuse or assault
• Identify at least 3 positive steps a man can take towards healing
• Describe 3 ways a partner, friend, or family member could support a man’s healing process

Audience

Appropriate for all levels of expertise.