‘It Happens to Boys’ Brings Awareness to Sexual Abuse Survivors in the Coachella Valley

A Coachella Valley-based group is working to raise awareness about an often overlooked issue: sexual abuse against boys. The organization, It Happens to Boys, provides support, healing, and education to help male survivors and the communities around them.

The group holds space for men to come together and share their stories, while also working to educate families on how to identify, prevent, and stop child abuse. Leaders of the organization stress the importance of including boys in conversations around safety and consent.

“Well, number one is getting educated and knowing that it happens,” said one group advocate. “Especially parents of boys — because they think, ‘we have to protect our daughters,’ but something bad can happen to your sons too. We’ve got to teach our children that no one should touch your body without your permission.”

It Happens to Boys hosts Zoom meetings that allow survivors from around the country to connect and share experiences in a safe, supportive environment. The group hopes to continue expanding its outreach both locally in the Coachella Valley and nationwide.

To learn more or find support resources from It Happens to Boys, visit the newsroom section of our website, NBCPalmSprings.com.

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