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Giving a voice to male survivors of sexual violence
Learn how sexual violence can reach boys and men of all ages.
Cases of sexual violence cross all demographics — including genders. Almost one in three men in the United States experience sexual violence involving physical contact during their lifetimes. In addition, one in 13 boys in the U.S. experience child sexual abuse.
Such rates of sexual violence among boys and men establish their significant presence in survivor communities. Yet male survivors have been found to rank the lowest in receiving effective service. How can we better meet the service needs of male survivors? By building a greater understanding of their unique viewpoints and vulnerabilities to the crime.
The effects of sexual violence among males
Some consequences of sexual trauma are common among all survivors. Those the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies include the development of depression, diminished performance and substance use or abuse, among other effects.
Yet, societal standards of masculinity can notably influence male survivors. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, common reactions among boys and men include:
- Feeling like “less of a man” or that one no longer has control of his own body.
- Worrying about disclosing for fear of judgment or disbelief.
- Feeling a sense of blame for being unable to stop the assault or abuse, especially if having experienced an erection or ejaculation.
- Having concerns or questions about sexual orientation and others.
The age of male survivors at the time of their experience with sexual violence can further affect their reactions to the crime. Those who are adults at the time of their assault, as RAINN notes, may believe they should have been “strong enough” to fight off the perpetrator. This belief can foster a sense of self-doubt or shame. What RAINN also adds: Any physiological responses males may experience are normal. They do not imply an invitation for assault.
Understanding the unique challenges experienced by male survivors is crucial to creating support systems that can assist them in overcoming the trauma. To provide proper care, it’s also essential to recognize when and from where sexual violence often emerges.
How boys and men can experience vulnerability to the crime
Boys and men can endure sexual violence at all stages of their lives. Some findings shared by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center from males surveyed about their experience with sexual assault include:
- About 26% reported their first victimization at 10 years old or younger.
- Close to 25% reported that their first victimization occurred when they were 11 to 17.
- Over 51% reported experiencing their first victimization before the age of 18.
- Approximately 49% reported experiencing the crime for the first time as adults.
Sources of sexual violence against boys and men can also come from all areas of their lives. The CDC explains that child sexual abuse, among other forms of maltreatment, can occur by a parent, caregiver or others in custodial roles. These roles include clergy members, coaches or teachers. Men may also experience sexual violence from their intimate partners, with females as the most frequent perpetrators.
Further gender-related findings of the CDC connected to male survivors: about 48% reported lifetime non-contact unwanted sexual experiences, and 87% who experienced rape reported only male perpetrators. In comparison, approximately 53% were exposed to unwanted sexual contact, and 82% who experienced sexual coercion reported only female perpetrators.
With thorough knowledge of the sexual violence boys and men may experience, we can create comprehensive tools for recovery. The insight can shape an understanding of how to provide diverse populations of male survivors with trauma-informed care.
Supporting male survivors
Male survivors, like female ones, are never alone in their recovery from sexual violence. Support is always available — something we can all be a part of fostering. To support male survivors of sexual violence as a family member or other loved one, RAINN suggests the use of the following actions:
- Listen.
- Validate their feelings.
- Express concern.
- Avoid asking for details about the assault.
- Provide appropriate resources.
These resources include a range of hotlines offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with call and text options. Male survivors can also find mental health treatment and organizations providing support resources.
Such organizations and associated advocates of male survivors can check the quality of their services using the NSRVC’s tool for assessing our capacity to serve male survivors. The center also offers a sample curriculum for applying the resources for working with male survivors. These identify practices for individual or collective learning.
Survivors seeking to connect with other males who have experienced sexual violence can engage with fellow survivors’ stories. These stories cover experiences with sexual violence at varying stages of life.