Male Victims

Title IX does not only apply to female or female identifying students. Title IX protects ALL students from sex-based discrimination. UNCA is committed to protecting any person from sex based discrimination, regardless of their real, perceived sex, gender identity, and/or gender expression. Sexual assault and sexual misconduct can happen to anyone. Men and those who identify as males can be sexually assaulted no matter their race, class, age, religion, and sexual orientation.

Sexual violence is devastating to all victims, regardless of gender, and many reactions are shared by both male and female victims.  The fact is that only 5 to 20% of all survivors of sexual assault report and the percentage for male survivors is even lower. The Campus Sexual Assault Study (2007) found that 6.1% of college males reported experiencing attempted or completed sexual assault since entering college.  Feelings of shame, confusion and self-blame leave many men suffering in silence after being sexually assaulted.

There are many assumptions about sexual assault and men’s sexuality that create a harsh environment for men who have been sexually assaulted, and it’s important to distinguish the myths from the realities.

The most important things to remember:

  • men can be sexually assaulted;
  • men who have been sexually assaulted experience emotional reactions to their assault;
  • men who have been assaulted are entitled to the same medical, legal and emotional support; and
  • men who have been sexually assaulted are never to blame for their assault.

Myths

  • It is a myth that all men are always looking for or willing to participate in sexual activity. Consent to sexual activity needs to be expressly given by men as well as women. Not wanting to engage in sexual activity does not make someone less of a “real” man.
  • It is a myth that men are only sexually assaulted by other men. Women can sexually assault men.
  • It is a myth that gay men are more likely to assault other men, or that all men who sexually assault other men are gay. Sexual assault is not about lust or sexual attraction, but about exerting power and control over someone else.
  • It is a myth that men who get an erection or ejaculate during a sexual assault gave consent or enjoyed the assault. Erection and ejaculation are physiological responses that can’t be controlled and can even result from stress. These responses can be confusing for a man who has been sexually assaulted and can make him wonder if he really did enjoy or want the sexual contact. An erection or ejaculation does not equal consent.
  • It is a myth that a “real” man can and should always be able to resist an assault. It is common for both men and women to freeze during a sexual assault, and in some cases drugs, alcohol or the presence of a weapon or the threat of other force or injury can prevent someone from fighting their assailant.

Additional Information

Prevalence and Characteristics of Sexual Violence, Stalking, and Intimate Partner Violence Victimization — National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey

Men Can Stop Rape (an organization dedicated in mobilizing men to work towards creating a culture free from violence)

RAINN – Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network

Sexual Assault Recovery