Male Victims of Sexual Violence

     When society hears of sexual violence, the assumption is typically that a man has assaulted a woman. This is happening, at rates that are far too high, but so is sexual violence against men. Imagine how hard it is for a woman to report being sexually assaulted or raped? Now, think how difficult it is for men to report the same type of sexual violence.

     Texas Association Against Sexual Assault states, “In the United States, 10% of all victims are male.”  “About 3% of American men — or 1 in 33 — have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime. From 1995-2010, 9% of rape and sexual assault victims were male.  2.78 million men in the U.S. have been victims of sexual assault or rape.”  (RAINN.org)

     These men are fathers, brothers, friends, partners, sons, and grandfathers who are looked at as being masculine, aggressive, and self-confident, but men can also be sensitive, quiet, and emotional. It is hard for men to report sexual assault or rape for fear of being judged or unsupported by family and friends. Men fear people will believe they enjoyed the experience or question their sexual orientation.

     There are many ways we can be supportive of men who have been victims of sexual assault or rape by believing they were victimized and it was not their fault, listening, and providing a safe place to share their experience.

Written by Alesha L.