For Male Victims/Survivors

Men Are Sexually Assaulted

Rape and sexual assault can happen to anyone, regardless of gender. Men can be sexually assaulted no matter their race, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, appearance, or strength. A man or boy can be sexually assaulted by a stranger, but the offender is often someone he knows and trusts.
Even though male sexual assault remains vastly underreported, the United States Department of Justice documents more than 13,000 cases of male rape every year.

Page Contents

What should I do if I am raped or sexually assaulted? | What are typical reactions during or after a sexual assault? | Issues that may be different for male victims/survivors | Supporting Victims/Survivors | Facts About Men and Rape

What should I do if I am raped or sexually assaulted?

• Seek medical treatment, DO NOT bathe, shower, eat, or drink anything, or change clothes before you go.
• Go to a friend’s house or somewhere you can get emotional support.
• Consider reporting the rape to authorities (this does not mean that you have to agree to press charges).
• Seek Counseling. Even if you don’t report the rape or press charges, you deserve counseling and support.

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What are typical reactions during or after a sexual assault?

Most of us grow up thinking that rape happens only to women. Male rape victims/survivors often think so too. They may feel isolated and alone. If people in our community believe that, they may increase this sense of isolation.
Men usually share many of the same feelings as female sexual assault victims/survivors. Male victims/survivors may have feelings of:

• guilt
• powerlessness
• shock
• anger/rage
• flashbacks
• humiliation

There may also be denial and/or concern regarding their safety.
Male victims/survivors are often ashamed and confused when their body responds during an assault. Frequently, men who are sexually assaulted or raped have an involuntary or forced erection or ejaculation. Also, muscles in the anus often relax when a man is raped. This does not mean that the survivor wanted to be raped or sexually assaulted. Involuntary erections and ejaculations are normal reactions to physical stimulation even when sex is non-consensual.

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Issues that may be different for male victims/survivors

• concerns about sexuality and/or masculinity
• medical procedures
• finding resources and support

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Supporting Victims/Survivors

Seek Support for Yourself. The impact of rape extends beyond the victim/survivor. Feelings of anger, blame or helplessness can be overwhelming. Suppression of those feelings can interfere with your support for the victim/survivor. Most rape crisis centers offer counseling for family members and significant others.
Believe Him. He is struggling with what has happened and is likely to be afraid of how people will respond, especially loved ones.
Listen to Him. Let him know he can talk to you when he is ready. When he does talk, be supportive. Don’t judge or blame, regardless of where he was or what he was doing. Clearly tell him, “It wasn’t your fault.”
Honor His Decisions. Help him explore options, but avoid offering your opinions on what he should do. Be patient and allow him to choose his own path to recovery. Respect his choices.

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Facts About Men and Rape

• 1 in 6 adult men will be sexually assaulted in his lifetime.
• Men are usually raped by other men, although females can be perpetrators as well.
• Rapists who rape men and boys generally consider themselves to be heterosexual.
• Both homosexual and heterosexual men from all parts of society are raped (not just in prisons).
• Men are even less likely than women to report rape.
• Sexual arousal or orgasm during a sexual assault does not indicate a “willing” participant.

Information for this page adapted from: Texas Association Against Sexual Assault, 7701 North Lamar, Suite 104, Austin, TX 78752, (512)474-7190

More information can be found on Male Survivor.

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