Male Sexual Violence
It is estimated that 1 in 6 men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. Most often these assaults occur before the age of 18.
The Facts
- Men can be raped as adults and sexually abused as children.
- Men experience the same symptoms women do after being sexually abused.
- It is just as important for a man to receive counseling for sexual trauma as it is for a woman.
- Sexual abuse does not cause homosexuality.
- Being abused as a child does not mean you will grow up to be a perpetrator.
What can be unique for male survivors
- Men may not seek counseling/support as often as women, especially for issues of sexual abuse.
- Societal myths that men always want sex and would never refuse a sexual encounter.
- Societal notions that early sexual experiences are a ‘normal’ part of a boy’s life.
- Males may question their sexual orientation if they were sexually abused by a man.
- Men may experience confusion and anger over loss of control of their body and any physical response they had to the assault.
Additional resources for men
Lew, M. (2004). Victims no longer: Men recovering from incest and other child sexual abuse (2nd Ed.). New York, NY: Harper Collins Press.
Please refer to the Adult Services page for more information.
