International Expert on Healing from Childhood Sexual Abuse

Community Submission
41 minutes ago
4 min read

Syracuse, NY — Vera House, the McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center, The Hope, Healing and Solidarity coalition, and THRIVE are proud to present a powerful three-day series of events with Mike Lew, M. Ed., internationally recognized trainer, author, and leading expert on healing from childhood sexual abuse. (See brief bio below.)

“Bringing Mike Lew to Syracuse is an important step toward breaking the silence, secrecy, and stigma around male sexual trauma. Survivors deserve understanding, resources, and community—not shame and isolation. We’re proud to help create a space where healing and connection can begin and continue with the support of community-based services,” states Tricia Matthews, CEO of Vera House.

Erin Bates, Executive Director of the McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center, summarizes: “Sexual abuse is unfortunately so common that we all know survivors. Research suggests that at least 1 in 6 men experienced sexual abuse as children. And yet, many of us, including professionals, are uncomfortable talking about child sexual abuse and unsure how to best support survivors, especially men. We owe it to the men in our community, in our lives, to learn more about male survivors of sexual abuse. Having Mike Lew visit Syracuse again is a tremendous opportunity to do this. I encourage everyone to attend one of these events to educate themselves”

The three-day series of events include a free community discussion, (Th. 10/1, 6:30-8:30PM), an all-day training for professionals, (Fri. 10/2, 9:00AM–5:00 PM,) and an all-day workshop, free, for male survivors of childhood sexual abuse (Sat. 10/3, 9:00 AM– 5PM.) Event details:

1. Community Discussion with Q/A — “Dynamics and Impacts of Childhood Sexual Abuse” Thursday, October 1, 2026 | 6:00–7:45 PM (doors open at 5:30 for networking)at Fayetteville Free Library Community Room, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville, NY 13066 Free and open to the public - includes refreshments.

This community forum invites survivors, family members, friends, allies, and interested community members to join Mike Lew in a compassionate discussion about the unique challenges faced by male survivors. The event will also feature local resource tables and networking opportunities for those seeking connection and support.

2. Professional Development Training Day — “Male Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse, Dynamics and Impacts across the life course”

Friday, October 2, 2026 | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, OneGroup, (Training Room/Education Center), 706 N. Clinton Street, Syracuse, NY 13204, https://onegroup.com/, Advance registration required. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/mike-lew-professional-training-syracuse-ny

Free; includes refreshments, lunch & materials

This one-day professional training is designed for clinicians, counselors, advocates, and other professionals working with survivors of sexual trauma and will include a panel of local male survivors. Participants will gain deeper insight into the experiences of male survivors, explore therapeutic approaches, and discuss professional challenges when addressing sexual trauma in men. Register:

3. Male Survivor Workshop — “An Invitation to Explore Survivor Recovery”

Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 9:00 AM–5 PM at Vera House, 723 James St., Syracuse, NY 13203, 315-425-0818 Free — Advance registration required: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/mike-lew-survivor-workshop-syracuse-ny

- includes refreshments, lunch, and materials

This transformative workshop is for adult male, non-offending survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Participants will engage in guided healing exercises including storytelling, writing, small group discussions, and creative expression, all designed to empower recovery in a supportive, confidential environment.

National statistics indicate that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are sexually abused before the age of 18. The website 1in6 notes that most studies show that the long-term effects of sexual abuse and assault can be quite damaging for both males and females. According to research by CHILD USA the average age of disclosure of child sexual abuse to anyone is 52. One of the greatest predictors of successful life coping with the trauma of child sexual abuse is whether the child had a supportive adult in their life at the time and following disclosure.

“As a survivor living in the region, I and other survivors were instrumental in bringing Mike Lew to Syracuse back in the fall of 2009. It was a profoundly positive transformative experience. I am honored to be welcoming Mike back to Syracuse this October for what promises to be an important and healing series of events.” -Carl P.

“Why is this important?” asks Mike Koplinka-Loehr, survivor and co-facilitator of The Hope, Healing and Solidarity coalition, https://hopehealingandsolidarity.org/. “Everyone on our planet needs continual education about the realities and impacts of childhood sexual abuse, a subject which is too-often avoided due to taboos. More specifically, central NY residents need reminders about local services for survivors, especially if they know of someone who has experienced abuse. There are too many myths which need to be dispelled, and this series is guaranteed to enlighten, educate and engage all participants.”

For further information, contact: - Erin Bates, Executive Director, McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center, ebates@mcmahonryan.org, 315-701-2985

- Tracy Dando, Community Healing & Media Outreach Coordinator, Vera House, (315) 425-0818 ext. 2220, tdando@verahouse.org

- Mike Koplinka-Loehr, The Hope, Healing and Solidarity coalition, https://hopehealingandsolidarity.org/, and THRIVE (The Healing Resource Institute for Victim Empowerment), mak11@cornell.edu, Cell #: 607-592-8437

Mike Lew, M. Ed., is an internationally recognized trainer, workshop leader and author of Victims No Longer: The Classic Guide for Men Recovering from Sexual Child Abuse, and Leaping Upon the Mountains, Men Proclaiming Victory over Sexual Child Abuse With over four decades of experience, across 5 continents, he has worked with thousands of people healing from the effects of sexual abuse, rape, and other forms of trauma. See: www.nextstepcounseling.org.