The sleeper effect is a devastating psychological phenomenon where the impact of childhood sexual abuse lies dormant, sometimes for decades, before erupting into a man’s life with overwhelming force. Unlike physical wounds, trauma from abuse often remains hidden, surfacing later through depression, anxiety, relationship breakdowns, substance abuse, and even suicidal thoughts.

For male survivors, the sleeper effect can mean years of functioning on the surface while internally battling shame, guilt, and a sense of isolation. Many men describe living with “major isolation, major depression, major anger, sadness, shame, guilt, scared, I always felt I was to blame”. These emotions are compounded by society’s expectations of masculinity and silence, making it even harder for men to seek help