Sexual assault is often perceived through a gendered lens, with women frequently being the focal point of conversations. A sad TikTok of men victimizing and shaming others broke my heart. This fuels the fire of why men are never taken seriously. The impact on their mental health from all this is heavily negative. Let’s dive deeper.
The Effect of Survivorship on Male Mental Health
For male survivors of sexual assault, this can result in a variety of mental health problems, such as substance misuse, PTSD, despair, and anxiety. These problems are frequently made worse by the stigma associated with male sexual assault, which makes survivors feel alone and unsupported.
many male survivors are afraid of being disbelieved or ridiculed, which contributes to their hesitation to speak out
- Stigma & Shame
Men who have been sexually assaulted frequently struggle with tremendous feelings of shame and stigma. Societal standards of masculinity may cause individuals to believe that confessing victimization is a sign of weakness. This can lead to delayed reporting and seeking care, worsening mental health outcomes. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), many male survivors are afraid of being disbelieved or ridiculed, which contributes to their hesitation to speak out (NSVRC, 2023).
2.Mental health consequences
According to research, male sexual assault survivors are more likely to acquire mental health disorders than their peers. According to a study published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence, male survivors have a much higher risk of developing PTSD, despair, and anxiety. Emotional distress and trauma from such experiences can affect daily living and have long-term psychological consequences.
3.Underreporting and Help Seeking
Male survivors frequently encounter hurdles to disclosing their experiences and obtaining help. According to the Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, men may be discouraged from seeking support services due to societal expectations and a fear of not being believed. This lack of reporting contributes to a resource deficit for male victims, as well as an overall underestimation of the occurrence of sexual violence against men.
Dispelling Myths about Male Victimization
- Myth: Men cannot be victims of sexual assault.
A common misconception is that men are not victims of sexual assault. Research and victim accounts dispute this assumption. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of every six males has suffered sexual violence at some point in their lives (CDC, 2022). This figure highlights the fact that males can and do suffer from sexual violence.
“No one expects men to be victims, so when it happens, the pain is compounded by the silence and lack of understanding from those around you.”
2. Myth: Male Victims Are Always Strong and Resilient
Another myth is that male survivors are inherently stronger or more resilient. In reality, the emotional and psychological impact of sexual assault is severe and can be debilitating, regardless of gender. A quote from a survivor, John Doe (a pseudonym for privacy), illustrates this: “No one expects men to be victims, so when it happens, the pain is compounded by the silence and lack of understanding from those around you.”
Moving Forward: Support and Awareness
Addressing the mental health needs of male survivors requires increased awareness and specialized support systems. Encouraging open conversations, promoting male-specific support services, and challenging harmful stereotypes are crucial steps toward fostering a more inclusive environment for survivors of all genders.
- Supporting Male Survivors.
Support programs for male survivors should be tailored to their specific experiences and requirements. This includes providing personalized therapy and counseling services to males, as well as developing safe locations for them to express their experiences.
- Raising awareness.
Educational programs and media representation have the potential to significantly change perceptions about male victimization. Highlighting survivor tales and addressing the stigma surrounding male sexual assault can contribute to a more supportive atmosphere for those impacted.
- Promoting Policy Changes.
Advocating for policy changes to ensure that male survivors have sufficient funding and support services is critical. Policies should reflect the realities of sexual abuse and offer full support to all survivors.
Conclusion
Sexual assault against men is a serious issue that requires attention and action. By addressing the mental health impacts, debunking myths, and promoting awareness, we can better support male survivors and work towards a more inclusive and empathetic society. As John Doe poignantly reminds us, “The road to healing is long, but acknowledging the pain and finding support is the first step towards recovery.”
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey: 2015 Data Brief – Updated Release. Retrieved from CDC website
- Kessler, R. C., Sonnega, A., Bromet, E., Hughes, M., & Nelson, C. B. (2021). Posttraumatic stress disorder in the National Comorbidity Survey. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 36(11-12), 5278-5302.
- National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC). (2023). Statistics on Male Victims of Sexual Violence. Retrieved from NSVRC website
- Snyder, D. K., & Haggerty, J. R. (2022). Male survivors of sexual assault: Characteristics, risk factors, and treatment. Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 23(4), 449-466.
