An estimated 92,000 men are raped each year in the United States. Most sexual assaults of men are perpetrated by other men. However, male rape has nothing to do with the sexual orientation of either the victim or the rapist. Rape is NOT an expression of sexuality. It is a crime of humiliation and control. Often heterosexual victims believe they will become gay or homosexual victims feel that they caused the assault. This is a myth.
- 1 in 6 boys will be sexually assaulted before the age of 18
- 83% of abused boys are under the age of 12; 26% are under the age of 6
- Adult men can be assaulted by friends, strangers and gangs. 60% of men raped by other men knew their attackers.
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Both heterosexual and homosexual survivors often have feelings of shame after an attack because of their bodies’ reactions (erection). Heterosexual men then question their sexuality. Homosexual men tend to believe they caused the attack. But it is important to remember that with stimulation there is an automatic response that is beyond your control.
These myths and stereotypes lead to ignorance which adds to the shame and isolation that male victims experience.
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.
If you have been victimized….
- Call someone you trust for emotional support. Please call PAAR’s hotline at 1.866.END.RAPE. We can help you.
- Hospital staff are trained to perform male rape exams to collect evidence and check for injuries. 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. If you have already done these things, don’t let this stop you from seeking medical care. You may have injuries that you can’t see. Also, place the clothes you were wearing during the assault in a paper bag and take them to the hospital with you.
- Please remember that one of our medical advocates can help once you get to the hospital. Request that hospital staff contact us if we were not paged after your call to the hotline.
- Whether or not you decide to prosecute, consider notifying the police. Pressing charges may help you feel empowered after the assault.
- You have been through a traumatic experience, so you may need help dealing with your feelings. PAAR provides free counseling services. Call us at 412.431.5665.
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