Unfortunately, there are many people in our communities who do not realize that males can be sexually assaulted.  This may affect the way male victims of this crime are treated.  Not surprisingly, males are less likely to report their assaults than women are and this under- reporting may contribute to the misunderstandings about the sexual assault of males.

For men, the stigma of being sexually assaulted may be particularly overwhelming.  Male victimization contradicts our societal view of men as aggressive, unemotional and powerful.

While women do sexually assault men, the majority of abusers of adolescent and adult males are heterosexual men.  In fact 96% of same-sex sexual assault, the offender is heterosexual.  Same-sex victims also must deal with societal beliefs about homosexuality.  Being assaulted by another male does not cause a victim to become a homosexual.

Many male victims either deny they where sexually assaulted all together, hide their victimization or don’t deal with the impact of the assault on their lives.  The result is often destructive isolation from others and the development of negative coping mechanisms to help deal with the pain, such as addictions to drugs, alcohol, food or sex.

If you are a male who has been sexually assaulted, realize that you are not to blame for the assault.  The abuser has full responsibility for the assault.  Offenders may use coercion, manipulation, threats or bribes.

Gay men are victims of sexual assault too.  Seeking support may be difficult for a homosexual male because of negative reactions from friends and family to his sexual identity.  However, please remember everyone deserves to heal, regardless of his or her sexual orientation!