After a Christchurch man ended up in a psych ward he realised it was time to tell the world his secret - he was raped as a child.

Now, decades later, Ken Clearwater is one of the country's biggest campaigners for male sexual assault survivors.

He's the organiser of the Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Conference, beginning in Christchurch today.

In conjunction with the conference, the Canterbury Museum will house the Bristlecone Project - 24 portraits of Kiwi men who were sexually abused as children.

"It'll give people a chance to see what really happens, rather than just the odd story in the paper and that sort of thing," he said.

How to get help

If you're in danger now:

• Phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours of friends to ring for you.
• Run outside and head for where there are other people.
• Scream for help so that your neighbours can hear you.
• If you are being abused, remember it's not your fault. Violence is never okay.

Where to go for help or more information:

• NZ Police
• The Harbour, for those affected by harmful sexual behaviour
• Help Auckland 24/7 helpline 09 623 1700
• Rape Prevention Education
• Wellington Help 24/7 crisisline 04 801 6655, push 0
• Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse
• Women's Refuge: Free national crisis line operates 24/7 - 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843 www.womensrefuge.org.nz
• Shine, free national helpline 9am- 11pm every day - 0508 744 633 www.2shine.org.nz
• Shakti: Providing specialist cultural services for African, Asian and Middle Eastern women and their children. Crisis line 24/7 0800 742 584
• White Ribbon: Aiming to eliminate men's violence towards women, focusing this year on sexual violence and the issue of consent. www.whiteribbon.org.nz