Male Rape and Sexual Assault
Within our society, men and boys can often suffer appalling sexual assaults and humiliations, but rarely does a victim cry out for help. Such is his feeling of shame; he will often be as desperate to keep it a secret as his attacker is. Confusion, depression and a sense of inescapable isolation are common reactions-and they can wreck a man's life.
Men are seen as strong protectors, capable of defending themselves and those they care about. When rape occurs, feelings of shame, guilt, bewilderment and disbelief often lead to a change of self-image. Often men feel unable to express their anger and rage at what has happened and frequently turn it in on themselves.
Male rape and sexual assault are criminal offences and are not common. In a major survey published in the British Medical Journal, 2.89% of males said they had been sexually abused after the age of 16.
Only in 1994 was the offence of male rape recognised in English Law.
Childhood Abuse
- Being physically and mentally “strong” is sometimes what society seems to expect of males from a very early age.
- Some young men will feel that they should be able to physically protect themselves and when they cannot they find it hard to accept this.
- Many boys, like children, find it hard to ask for help when abuse is happening.
- As they grow up they find it even harder to ask for help.
- Many men and boys do not report acts of sexual violence because they see this as a sign of weakness.
Talk about your anger. Talk about your feelings. With someone you trust and feel safe with.
By acknowledging that the abuse was not your fault it can only help to shift the feelings of shame and guilt and put them where they belong - on the perpetrator.
Rape and sexual assault are not about sex or a sexual relationship. They are serious crimes about power, control, humiliation and domination.
How can Mpower Help?
Mpower is a telephone helpline service offering free and confidential* support for men who have been raped or sexually assaulted or suffered domestic violence.
Our telephone service is staffed by specially trained volunteers who will offer a listening ear and give practical information and advice on medical, legal and police matters.
The telephone line is staffed by both men and women and currently is available between 8pm and 10pm every Thursday evening. The call is free and your telephone number cannot be traced.
0808 808 4321
Or write to us at;
Mpower
Freepost NAT 12398.
Norwich
NR1 1ZL
Email:
:
We are unable to guarantee confidentiality where we believe that the safety or welfare of a child is at risk.
Taken from MPower leaflet