Mike Vitale is an extraordinary man. Mikey has agreed to come on the Men’s Health Unscripted Podcast and discuss his experiences as a child and adult, as a victim of sexual assault. This topic is difficult and heart breaking but is so necessary to discuss in order break the stigma and end the silence so many victims feel compelled to hold onto. Approximately 14% of rapes involve men or boys, 1 in 6 reported sexual assaults are against boys and 1 in 25 reported are men. Thirty-eight percent of males that report sexual assault attempt or commit suicide.

Mikey V is a previous guest on the show (Episode 75) and has discussed some of the details of his past experiences. Mikey told us being on the podcast allowed him to reach a new audience and stated that men have reached out to him from the show for support and guidance. This is an example of what this platform is all about, providing personal accounts so men do not feel alone in hardship, in addition, turning tragedy to triumph and providing men like Mikey a space to tell their story, provide insight, knowledge and resources to help other men overcome extreme adversity.

Realizing that so many cases of sexual assault go unreported Mikey and Patrick agreed to do one more podcast discussing some of Mikey’s history, the psychological warfare Mikey endured from his assailants and how Mikey has taken steps to take his life back after years of abuse. In addition, Mikey has provided numerous resources based on his research into sexual assault. The purpose of this episode is to show victims of sexual assault that they are not alone and that there are resources that can promote healing available to them. With Mikey’s help we can promote men breaking their silence and encourage victims that there are other ways out of turmoil than self harm and suicide, which is more times than not the end result.

Mikey has taken this horrible experience and turned it into a foundation of advocacy and care, his goal, if he can help one man (he has helped many more than 1 on his journey) than his pain and suffering would not be in vein.

Mike Vitale is a true definition of what Men’s Health is all about, one of the most courageous people we know and an all around amazing human.

We ask that Mikey is treated with dignity and respect when discussing his story, this is not easy, this podcast contains troubling stories and potentially triggering accounts in order to bring awareness to the horrible crimes many endure in silence.

Mikey, thank you, for sharing your journey with me on this episode, as always I am grateful you have the faith in me to hold space for you to be an advocate for men dealing with sexual abuse. Meeting Mikey, seeing that even through extreme circumstances, you can triumph has changed my life in ways I cannot describe. I am grateful for you Mikey V, your courage is unmatched and I will make sure your message is used as an agent of positive change. Mikey’s kindness and friendship are unmatched.

Mike Vitale’s and MHU Compiled Resource List:

1in6.org - dedicated to providing assistance to young men and boys that are victims of sexual abuse or assault.

Rainn.org - Confidential sexual assault support

Malesurvivor.org - Support groups, communication, resources for male sexual assault survivors and their families

Find Mikey: Cancer_MyJourneyWithMikeyV