For Male Survivors
Many men experience sexual violence, both in childhood and adulthood, despite the harmful and completely false myth that men cannot be victims of sexual violence.
This myth can be perpetuated by narrow definitions of masculinity that are reinforced through rigid gender roles and expectations, such as fear of being seen as weak or less of a man, which can deter some men from coming forward about experiencing sexual violence and receiving the help they need (Black, M.C., et al, 2011).
One study showed that 1 in 4 males will experience some form of sexual victimization in their lifetime (Felitti, Vincent J., et al., 1998), while another demonstrated that 1 in 6 males under the age of 18 will experience some form of sexual violence in childhood (Cook, M., et al, 2016).
Men do experience sexual violence regardless of their size, age, race or national origin, or sexual orientation. In addition, though the majority of men who experience sexual violence were assaulted by a male perpetrator, studies have shown that female perpetrators are much more common than previously thought (Cook, M., et al, 2016).
The Sex Abuse Treatment Center offers comprehensive services to survivors of sexual violence, regardless of gender. If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual violence, please call our 24-hour hotline at (808) 524-7273 or contact us via our web chat (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., excluding holidays).
Resources
- Black, M.C., Basile, K.C., Breiding, M.J., Smith, S.G., Walters, M.L., Merrick, M.T., Chen, J., & Stevens, M.R. (2011). The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS): 2010 Summary Report. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Felitti, Vincent J., et al. “Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults: The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study.” American journal of preventive medicine14.4 (1998): 245-258.
- Cook, M. et. al. (2016) Sexual risk behaviors and substance use among men sexually victimized by women. American Journal of Public Health, 106 (7).