The sexual abuse of boys and men. The erasing matrix: The social unconscious, betrayal and turning a blind eye

Abstract

The aim of this article is to contextualize, and add, some theoretical and practical scaffolding to our work with men and boys who have suffered from various forms of sexual abuse. This article introduces the concept of the ‘erasing matrix’ in terms of an anti-group relational system and shows how the perverse group dynamics at its core facilitate sexual trauma in terms of selection, grooming and sexual destruction of victims. I describe via case vignettes the presentation of such men and boys who have been affected by sexual trauma. I consider the complex issue of the specific trauma of the sexual abuse of men and boys including those from marginalized communities, many of whom have been very cruelly traumatized and betrayed by institutions in the context of family breakdown, structural oppression and community rejection. I argue that sexual abuse and specifically the abuse of men and boys occurs within powerful social systemic contexts and phenomena that include toxic masculinity and homophobia. I will demonstrate how a group analytic and psychodynamic lens can help clinicians to develop an understanding of the concepts of betrayal, erasure and turning a blind eye as central components of the erasing matrix. This will, I hope, be useful for clinicians engaging with men and boys who have experienced sexual abuse trauma. I will also consider the issue of invisibility, denial and toxic masculinity as significant variables that drive the perverse core of the erasing matrix in the sexual abuse of men and boys. I consider the essential role of the clinician as we carefully enter the deadly orbit of this erasing matrix. The task is to establish a clinical framework and the necessary environmental essentials for our practice within this very complex and painful area of our work.