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Most sexual assaults of males are perpetrated by other males. However, male rape has nothing to do with the sexual orientation of either the victim or the offender. Rape is not an expression of sexuality; it is a crime that is motivated by a need to control, humiliate, and harm. Therefore, male rape does not mean that a heterosexual victim will become gay, or that a homosexual victim caused the assault. RAPE IS NEVER THE VICTIM’S FAULT! The Facts of Male
Sexual Violence An estimated 111,298 rapes of adult men occur each year. Adult men can be assaulted by friends, significant others, strangers, and gangs. 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. Young and adolescent boys are often also frequent targets of sexual predators. In typical cases were boys are raped, the offender is most often someone the boy knows and trusts. Sexual abusers can be fathers, mothers, stepparents, uncles, neighbors, peers, 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 they do not feel in relationships with adults. Whatever the reason for abuse, IT IS NEVER THE VICTIM’S FAULT. IF YOU HAVE BEEN
THE VICTIM OF SEXUAL ASSAULT If the sexual assault has been committed by someone close to you, get immediately to someone who you can trust. You may be experiencing feelings of embarrassment or humiliation, but it is very important to get help as quickly as possible. Seek Medical Attention. Male rape is often violent and frequently involves weapons. Because of the high risk of genital and non-genital injury, it is important that you seek medical attention. Hospital staff are trained to perform male rape exams to collect evidence and check for injuries. They can also treat you for possible STDs. Valuable evidence of the assault remains on your body and clothes. Do not eat, drink, smoke, comb your hair, shower, urinate, or defecate before going to the emergency room. However, if you have already done these things, do not let this stop you from seeking medical care. Also, place the clothes you were wearing during the assault in a paper bag and take them with you to the hospital. For more information
if you have been victimized, go to the Pennsylvania Coalition Against
Rape website at
www.pcar.org. You will find helpful information about your legal
options, and how to get help dealing with the confusing and painful
feelings that you may be experiencing. |
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