The Exclusion of Men from the Sexual Violence Movement

The sexual violence movement has made significant progress in raising awareness, supporting survivors, and advocating for policy changes in the era of the #MeToo movement. Alarmingly, over 27% of men will experience sexual victimization in their lifetimes.¹ Despite these distressing statistics, the conversation surrounding sexual violence predominantly centers on female survivors, leaving the experiences, challenges, and needs of male survivors largely overlooked. While statistics on sexual violence primarily center female victims, men can also be victims of sexual assault and violence. Researchers have found that at least 1 in 6 men have experienced sexual abuse or assault, whether in childhood or as an adult.^1-3 However, this is likely an underestimate of the actual prevalence as a result of stigma, lack of support, resources, and awareness for men who are survivors of sexual violence. 

Barriers  

Significant barriers to acknowledging and assisting male victims of sexual violence is the societal stigma that affects perception.³ Misconceptions include the belief that male victims cannot experience sexual violence or that such incidents only occur within specific contexts, (e.g., prisons). Such beliefs distort the reality that sexual violence can and does occur in a various settings, including heterosexual relationships, workplaces, and social environments. The societal stereotypes, stigma, and misconceptions may prevent many men from disclosing abuse.⁴ The failure to recognize and include male victims of sexual violence in the broader movement has significant implications that include stigmatization and underreporting, limited support structures, and misguided perceptions.^{2, 3}

Societal Norms and Masculinity

Traditional notions of masculinity often depict men as strong, invulnerable, and having strong sexual desires from an early age. Admitting to being a victim of sexual violence challenges these norms, leading to reluctance in disclosing their experiences. When men are victimized by women, especially in heterosexual contexts, societal attitudes may downplay the experience, framing the situation as a “sexual conquest” rather than acknowledging the victim’s lack of agency and/or consent.^4-6 This diminishes the seriousness of the crime and reinforces the stigma surrounding male victimization, making it more difficult for men to come forward. This message persists when it comes to boys who are assaulted by an older woman.⁵ However, people fail to recognize the inappropriate power dynamic that an older woman has over a younger boy. This is compounded when the boy is under the age of legal consent. 

Fear of Not Being Believed

Many male victims worry that their claims will be dismissed or ridiculed. The stereotype that men cannot be victims fosters an environment of silence and shame.⁵

Lack of Resources

Support services often focus on female victims, which can deter men from seeking help. Many advocacy groups do not have tailored resources for male survivors, leading to a lack of visibility for their experiences.

Sexual Orientation 

Male survivors may face intensified barriers based on their sexual orientation. For example, gay and bisexual men, who may be victimized by other males, often grapple with stereotypes and biases that further complicate their experiences.^{4, 5} Societal expectations surrounding masculinity can lead to additional stigma for these individuals, where the intersectionality of gender and sexual orientation exacerbates feelings of shame, fear, and isolation.⁶ Survivors may fear being judged for both their sexuality and their victimization, leading to a reluctance in reporting abuse. Further, there is a significant lack of appropriate resources and support for male survivors, particularly for those who identify with the LGBTQIA+ community. This gap in resources and support perpetuates the cycle of silence and stigma surrounding male sexual violence survivors.⁷

Implications of Exclusion

The exclusion of men from the sexual violence movement not only affects male survivors but also impacts the overall progress of advocacy efforts. 

Increased Stigma 

Leaving men out of the conversation perpetuates stigma surrounding male victimization. This makes it difficult for men to seek help and/or report incidents.¹

Ineffective Policy and Training 

Many policies and training programs do not recognize male victims or lack comprehensive information on all genders and sexual orientations.⁴ As a result, there are limited comprehensive solutions to sexual violence of male survivors.

Misrepresentation of Statistics

The lack of conversations around male experiences of sexual violence can lead to an underreporting of sexual violence against men, skewing public perception and resource allocation.⁴

Implications of Gendered Messaging 

The way sexual violence is discussed and taught to children varies significantly between genders, contributing to the exclusion of male victims from the sexual violence movement. From an early age, children receive different messaging about gender roles, consent, and victimhood, shaping their understanding of these concepts throughout development.⁴

Differential Messaging

Boys are often raised with an emphasis on traditional masculinity, which values strength and self-reliance. This upbringing can lead to the impression that vulnerability or victimization is a sign of weakness, discouraging them from expressing emotions or acknowledging their own experiences of abuse. Boys may feel compelled to suppress feelings of trauma or shame due to societal pressures that equate vulnerability with femininity.^4-6 This male socialization can lead to an environment where boys are less likely to report victimization or seek help, fearing ridicule or disbelief. 

When spoken to about sexual violence, boys and men are treated as potential perpetrators, not potential survivors. As a result, boys and men assume that they cannot or are unlikely to be sexually assaulted. It can be harder for boys and men to label the experience as sexual assault and discourages disclosure when they are taught they are unlikely to be survivors.

Cultural Narratives

As children grow, these early messages can shape cultural narratives around male and female victimization. When boys are socialized to value toughness and independence, they may be less likely to recognize harmful situations. Media representations further perpetuate these narratives, often portraying men as aggressors and women as victims, which can skew children’s understanding of gender roles in violence.⁸

Long-term Effects

The long-term impact of this differential messaging can be profound. Boys who are taught that they cannot be victims may struggle with mental health issues, unresolved trauma, and the urgent need for resources that cannot be accessed due to stigma.³

Need for Inclusion

To address these disparities, it is essential to develop comprehensive sexuality education programs that provide equal information to all children, regardless of gender. This involves teaching all children about consent, healthy relationships, and the reality of sexual violence in a way that acknowledges and validates the experiences of both male and female victims. An inclusive approach to the sexual violence movement is essential. Recommendations to include male survivors experience comprehensive support systems, challenging stereotypes, and creating allies. By acknowledging male victims, support systems can be expanded and tailored to meet diverse needs, providing a safe space for all survivors to share their stories.

Including men in discussions about sexual violence helps challenge harmful stereotypes about gender and victimization, fostering a more nuanced understanding of the issue. Engaging men in the movement can help create allies who advocate for the rights of all survivors, promoting a culture of respect and empathy across genders.

The exclusion of men from the sexual violence movement is an issue that requires urgent attention. By recognizing the experiences and needs of male survivors, the movement can evolve into a more inclusive and effective force for change. An inclusive dialogue not only supports victims but also enriches the overall understanding of sexual violence as a societal issue. Together, we can work towards a future where all survivors receive the recognition and support they deserve.

Support Is Available

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We believe in men and their loved ones healing through community and relationships, fostering a sense of belonging, embracing vulnerability, and recognizing the pain and trauma that men experience. By supporting men to heal, we hope to help heal the world.

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Sources

1. Ralston, K. M. (2020). “If I Was a ‘Real Man’”: The Role of Gender Stereotypes in the Recovery Process for Men Who Experience Sexual Victimization. The Journal of Men’s Studies, 28(2), 127-148. https://doi.org/10.1177/1060826519864475 
2. Hlavka, H. R. (2017). Speaking of Stigma and the Silence of Shame: Young Men and Sexual Victimization. Men and Masculinities, 20(4), 482-505. https://doi.org/10.1177/1097184X16652656 
3. Moret, J. D., Choe, L., & Anderson, J. C. (2023). Psychosocial health factors among men reporting recent sexual assault. Journal of forensic nursing, 19(2), 88-99. https://doi.org/10.1097/JFN.0000000000000428 
4. Thomas, J. C., & Kopel, J. (2023). Male victims of sexual assault: a review of the literature. Behavioral Sciences, 13(4), 304. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13040304 
5. Fisher, N. L., & Pina, A. (2013). An overview of the literature on female-perpetrated adult male sexual victimization. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 18(1), 54-61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2012.10.001 
6. Depraetere, J., Vandeviver, C., Beken, T. V., & Keygnaert, I. (2020). Big Boys Don’t Cry: A Critical Interpretive Synthesis of Male Sexual Victimization. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 21(5), 991-1010. https://doi.org/10.1177/1524838018816979 
7. Pinciotti, C. M., Horrocks, B. K., Witthuhn, L. A., & Ullman, S. E. (2023). Sexual assault disclosure and outcomes in the LGB+ community. Psychology of sexual orientation and gender diversity. https://doi.org/10.1037/sgd0000640 
8. Sikweyiya, Y., Machisa, M., Mahlangu, P., Nunze, N., Dartnall, E., Pillay, M., & Jewkes, R. (2023). “I Don’t Want to Be Known as a Weak Man”: Insights and Rationalizations by Male Students on Men’s Sexual Violence Perpetration against Female Students on Campus. International journal of environmental research and public health, 20(5), 4550. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20054550