Adpated from Alexander Jung Creative Commons Attribution License

Most victimizers of males are other males, who force their victims to have anal or oral penetration, and often beat them. Male sexual victimization is rarely talked about, and many myths about male rape and sexual assault contribute to the silence.

One myth is that “males can’t be victimized,” explains Ken Singer, president of the National Organization on Male Sexual Victimization, in Washington, D.C.

“Our ’macho’ culture declares that males, even young boys, are not supposed to be victims of assault.”

The myth implies that boys should be able to “fight back.” But the truth is, male victims, like female victims, are usually weaker and more vulnerable than the attackers, especially when force is involved.

Another myth is that both victims of male rape and their offenders are or will become homosexual. Part of this myth plays into homophobia—fear of and discrimination against homosexuals. 

But an assault can’t make someone homosexual or heterosexual. Most importantly, sexual assault and rape are not crimes about sex or sexual orientation—they’re crimes about power.

Helping to Heal

Male victims of rape and sexual assault are left with many emotional scars.

“They often feel anger, because being victimized leaves a sense of helplessness, sadness, or betrayal,” says Singer.

Due to the pressure males feel to act manly, it is not often easy for them to openly express these feelings. In turn, their feelings may escalate into violence, or result in depression or suicide. 

“Rape is a tough issue for some males because of the stigma associated with the presumed weakness of the victim,” adds Robert Johnson, M.D., who directs the Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine at the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey.

In turn, males often deny that they have been sexually victimized.

“Too often, these males tell no one,” says Dr. Johnson. “Consequently, they live with depression, and suffer the effects of the assault on their sense of self.”

Male sexual assault victims may also suffer physical problems after an assault. They may contract a sexually transmitted disease, or suffer anal and rectal ruptures, and other bodily injuries.

To begin recovery, male victims need to receive good medical treatment. They also need to report the assault to the police and get counseling.

The worst thing a male victim can do is keep quiet. 

Editors’ Note: Help and support is available through the National Organization on Male Sexual Victimization at (1-800) 738-4181 or the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network at (1-800) 656-HOPE (4673).