Male victim/survivors

Home: Workers: Counselling Issues: Minority groups

• Male victim/survivors are in the minority.
• In the overwhelming majority of cases boys and men are sexually assaulted by a male perpetrator.
• Statistics reveal more males are sexually assaulted as children than as adults.
• Male children, like their female counterparts, are most at risk within the family and its immediate social network.
• Adult males are most at risk in 'all male' environments, in contrast to females who are at risk in everyday life.

In supporting male victim/survivors there are a number of issues for workers.

Firstly, the traumagenic dynamics and crisis reactions are the same as for females although the greater social power of males may modify the intensity of these reactions. Likewise, his assumptions about masculinity and emotional expression may limit the extent to which he is open and direct in expressing his feelings.

Secondly, most male victim/survivors seeking support will be survivors of assault which occurred in childhood or adolescence and typically by a trusted male role model. The dynamic of betrayal is important here.

Thirdly, anxieties concerning sexuality and sexual identity appear common to male victim/survivors. This is not only true for adult male rape but also for males assaulted as children. You need to reassure them that the experience of assault does not predestine him for inevitable homosexuality.

However, this reassurance should be provided in a manner which does not affirm homophobic attitudes and which allows the option for exploring any confusion about sexual identity.

If the man you are supporting is homosexual you should try to establish whether he knows if the perpetrator was gay or straight. Each has it's own implications for the victim/survivor's future confidence in social settings and personal relationships.

Finally, the central concerns in providing support to male victim/survivors are the issues that arise from cross-gender counselling. The use of a male worker may be an effective strategy to ensure appropriate identification and empathy is established.

Sponsor

SECASA

Disclaimer Copyright Updated: 9 Oct 2009