Sexual violence can and does happen to males. Men and boys are sexually assaulted and molested every day in the United States. However, false assumptions, popular stereotypes, and the belief that men are immune from sexual assault help us ignore the fact of male rape. This ignorance adds to the shame and isolation of male victims.
Statistics on Adult Male Sexual Violence
• It is believed that 1 in 6 adult men will be sexually assaulted in his lifetime.
• 9% of all rape victims are men.
Who sexually assaults Men?
Adult men can be assaulted by friends, significant others, strangers, and gangs. 60% of men raped by other men knew their attackers. Sexual assaults of men are frequently violent and involve weapons. Often, men reporting muggings or robberies have also been sexually assaulted. Emergency room doctors and police, however, do not typically look for behavioral signs of sexual assault in men.
Statistics on Males Sexually Assaulted as Children
• 83% of abused boys are under age 12; 26% are under age 6.
• 25-35% of child sexual abuse victims are males.
• 25-35% of child sexual abuse victims are males.
Who Sexually Abuse Boys?
A sex offender is most likely someone the boy knows and trusts. Sexual abusers can be fathers, mothers, stepparents, uncles, neighbors, spiritual leaders, and camp counselors.
Some offenders are sexually attracted to children, some were victims of abuse as children themselves, and some abuse children so they can feel the power and control thy do not feel in relationships with adults. Whatever the reason for abuse, it is never the victim’s fault. Most men who abuse boys define their sexual orientation as heterosexual. 85% of the time, the boy knows his abuser.
