Statistics:

• One study reports that 22% of victims of rape and sexual assault are men (Tjaden and Thoennes, 2000).
• In Massachusetts, approximately 1 out of 14 men have experienced sexual assault in their lifetime (MDPH, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, 2003).
• For men, 75% of all rapes occur before the age of 18, and 48% before age 12 (Tjaden and Thoennes, 2000).
• In MA, 88% of sexual assault survivors knew their perpetrators (1999).

• Any male can be a victim of sexual violence. Size and strength do not always matter. Offenders choose victims who they perceive as vulnerable for whatever reason (e.g. age, trusting an adult, etc.). Chance and opportunity determine who is assaulted.
• Males are most often assaulted by other males. Most offenders identify as straight/heterosexual. It is important to remember that perpetrators rape to gain a sense of power and control over a victim. Sex is the weapon used to hurt someone.
• The motivation for sexual abuse is NOT sexual gratification. The real motivation for rape and sexual abuse is power and control. The offender uses sexual abuse to feel in control of his victim and to express anger.
• Women can be perpetrators of sexual assault on men and boys. This type of assault is not reported as often as male rape of other men. The most common types of force used in any sexual assault are emotional and verbal, rather than physical force.
• Males are less likely to report sexual abuse than females. Traditionally, society teaches that men should be strong and in control. When a male is assaulted, he may feel embarrassed and ashamed. Fear of rejection may keep male victims from reporting.
• Men and women respond emotionally to being assaulted in similar ways . Men and women may experience guilt, anger, sadness, shame, confusion, anxiety, shock and fear. They may have nightmares, flashbacks and difficulties with intimacy or trust. Teenage boys may express feelings by fighting, lying, stealing, or running away. Drug and alcohol abuse may be used as a way to cope at any age.
• After an assault, males may have concerns about sexuality and sexual identity. This is a very normal reaction. Because the rape involved a perpetrator of the same gender, this can often be confusing.

How Can Rape Crisis Services Help?

Rape Crisis Services can provide free and confidential counseling and support groups to male survivors of sexual abuse and rape. Male survivors may also choose to utilize our 24 hour hotline for crisis counseling and information. RCSGL is staffed by female counselors. RCSGL also provides referrals for counseling in the Greater Lowell area.