A recent youth panel discussion on surviving sexual assault has highlighted the need for male victims to report sexual and domestic abuse.
Young people affiliated with the Saint Lucia National Youth Council were among the participants.
The discussion pointed to prevailing societal and cultural beliefs that discourage men from speaking up about abuse.
But Psychologist Ornan Jervais warned that silence would bring long-term negative consequences for victims.
Jervais said speaking to professionals or trusted people like doctors, pastors, or priests was best.
Participants noted the need to design interventions, especially for men.
They also noted that support services appear to be mainly designed with women in mind.
Headline photo courtesy Ayo Ogunseinde (Unsplash.com)
