Sexual assault is something that occurs all too often and it’s not just perpetrated against women. 43% of men report having experienced some form of sexual assault in their lifetimes. Sexual assault is under-reported, in general, but even more so for males. 1 in 4 males are victims of attempted or completed rape between the ages of 11 and 17. Over half of male victims report being raped by an acquaintance. 15% of male victims report being raped by strangers.
Often males will not seek out help for what has happened. Males are less likely to report due to a lack of male-oriented treatment options. Men are taught to not identify as victims. They may have feelings of shame, guilt, and embarrassment, even start doubting their masculinity or sexuality. Men can be concerned it won’t be kept confidential; they fear facing ridicule from friends and family or not being believed at all. Males can also be hesitant to seek law enforcement support for fear of looking weak.
When men experience sexual assualt, these are some of the most common reactions:
Emotional Shock: Why can’t I cry?
Denial: Did I imagine what happened?
Embarrassment: People won’t believe me, because this doesn’t happen to men.
Guilt: I should have stopped it and been stronger.
Depression: Feelings of wanting to be dead.
Powerlessness: I am not in control of my life.
Flashbacks: Seeing the attack or the attacker again and again.
Fear: What if I contracted a disease? Nightmares of the incident occurring over and over again.
Anxiety: Feelings of being overwhelmed. Thinking someone is always watching.
Anger: I want to kill who changed my life this way. The person who took something from me.
Physical Stress: Becoming ill or having aches and pains.
Without getting the proper help and treatment after the assault, victims are more likely to develop mental health conditions and other negative behavior patterns. Common problems that arise after an assault can include, but are not limited to:
- PTSD
- Depression
- Alcoholism
- Drug Abuse
- Suicidal Ideation
- Suicide Attempts
- Problems with Intimate Relationships
- Underachievement at work or school
- Anxiety
- Flashbacks
- Eating Disorders
- Avoidance
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault please utilize the following resources for help:
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673 (Call)
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 (Text, Call)
Crisis Text Line: 741741 (Text, Whatsapp)
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 (Text, Call)
