Special Considerations for Supporting Male Victims ofViolence:

Sexual assault, rape and dating violence happen to women, men, andchildren of all ages, races, classes, sexual/gender orientations,religions and educational levels.  While all survivors ofsexual and relationship violence experience a similar range ofreactions (see Common Reactions to Sexual Violations and CommonReactions to Relationship Violence for more information), malesurvivors, survivors of color, and lesbian, gay, bisexual andtransgendered survivors are also likely struggling with theadditional burdens of stereotypes, racism, homophobia and otheroppressions, often leaving them feeling even more isolated,confused, ashamed, frightened, and less likely to seeksupport.  The following provides additional suggestions foroffering support to male survivors.

• 5-10% of reported rapes involve male victims.  Most ofthese victims are raped by other men who identify asheterosexual.  Male victims tend to be in their late teens tolate 20's at the time of the assault.  African-American menand gay men are over-represented among male victims.
• Be conscious of the stigma associated with the myth that "malesare not victims" and "men should put up a fight."
• With male victims there is often scrutiny, both by others andthe victim himself, of his sexual orientation.  In particular,there is a question about whether being assaulted by another manmakes someone gay (it does not – both gay and heterosexual men canbe assaulted by another male).  This goes back to the realitythat rape is about power and control, not sex and sexuality.