Health Services
FACTS ABOUT MALE SEXUAL ASSAULT
“I never thought it could happen to me”
FACTS:
- Many people are not informed about the issue of sexual assault against men. There is the mistaken belief that a man can not be victimized; that a man can fight an attacker and protect himself. In fact, sexual assault can happen to anyone of any age, gender, race, sexual orientation, size, weight, strength, IQ, or socioeconomic status. People, regardless of how strong or athletic they may be, can be incapacitated by alcohol, drugs, intimidation, and fear – even in the absence of a weapon.
- National surveys find that 7-12% of men report having been the victim of a sexual assault in their lifetime. Most of these assaults occur before the age of twenty. Only 5-20% of sexual assaults are ever reported, and the rate of reporting by males is even lower, so these statistics may be flawed.
- Sexual assaults against males often occur in all male settings such as the military, religious organizations, single-sex schools, athletics, and fraternities. The incidence of females sexually assaulting males is very low, but it does happen. Rape is an act of dominance, humiliation, and control. Rape is not related to sexual attraction or orientation. When males are victimized, 75-85% of the perpetrators are heterosexual males.
All services offered to victims of sexual assault must be gender neutral.
- What should I do if I have been sexually assaulted ?
- Where can I get help on campus?
- What resources are available at Sexual Assault Services/ Rutgers University Newark ?
- What can I do if the assault occurred off campus ?
- What will happen if I go to an emergency room ?
- Can I get help if the assault occurred in the past ?
- What are my rights if I am a victim of sexual assault ?
- Unique issues for male survivors of sexual assault.