Health Services

 ISSUES FOR MALE SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT

• In general, in this society, males more than females, believe themselves to be invulnerable, unlikely to be victimized and able to protect themselves.  This belief can interfere with a male survivor’s recovery from a sexual assault. The idea that a “masculine man” would fight to the death to prevent rape can lead to intense feelings of guilt.
  
•  That you survived is proof you made the right decisions, and did the right things at the time.
  
• Men may feel that they are somehow to blame for being victimized; that something about their behavior or appearance singled them out. If they experienced an erection or ejaculation, they may feel (or the attacker may tell them) they “really wanted this.”
  
• No one wants to be raped, and nothing excuses the responsibility of the attacker. Erection and ejaculation are a response to stimulation and stress. They are not indicators that the victim wanted or willingly participated in the attack.
  
• Rape affects males in the same ways that it can affect females. Anxiety, anger, fear, confusion, numbness, self-blame, hopelessness, helplessness, shame, and depression are common reactions. Initially, males are often hostile and aggressive rather than tearful.

• How do survivors of a sexual assault usually react ?
• What can I say if someone tells me they were sexually assaulted ?

• Heterosexual men may question their sexuality after a sexual assault. A victim may mistakenly believe that only gay men are raped, or that he will now become gay.
  
• Being sexually assaulted has NOTHING to do with sexual orientation: past, present, or future. It is a crime of violence, dominance and control.
  
• Gay men may be more reluctant to report a sexual assault or to utilize available services. They may fear they will not be believed, or will be blamed by police or medical personnel. In some cases, the attack may have been motivated by gay-bashing and homophobia. The perpetrator may have verbally abused the victim, telling him he deserved the attack because he is gay.
  
• The victim is never responsible for the perpetrator’s hate or actions. All survivors deserve equal and respectful treatment and services. An advocate from a Rape Crisis Center can provide intervention and support.

Sexual Assault Services/Rutgers University Newark  973-353-HELP
Essex County Rape Care Center 1-877-733-CARE

• What will happen if I go to an emergency room ?
• What are my rights if I am a victim of sexual assault ?
• Campus Sexual Assault Victim’s Bill of Rights
• What legal or administrative action can a victim take against a perpetrator after an assault occurs ?
• Facts about male sexual assault
• LGBTI Victims of Sexual Assault
• Off Campus Resources