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QUESTIONS/ANSWERS
& MYTHS/FACTS
Common Questions:
Click on each question below for more information.
Myth:
Only women can be the victims of sexual violence.
Fact: Men
can be and are victims of sexual violence. The Bureau of Justice Statistics
(2002) reported that 6-11% of reported rapes involve male victims. These
numbers may be much higher in reality, as sex crimes are underreported
to authorities. It has been estimated that 3% of men will be raped or
suffer an attempted rape in their lifetime.
Myth:
The victim may have "asked for it" through his behaviors,
lifestyle, or sexual orientation.
Fact: Sexual
violence is never the victim's fault. No one "asks for it" or
deserves to be sexually assaulted, no matter the circumstances. Sexual
violence is about power, control, and domination, not about how someone
is dressed or his sexual orientation.
Myth:
Male victims of sexual violence must be gay.
Fact: Hetersexual
and gay men can be the victims of sexual violence. Most victims are not
gay. Sexual violence usually has nothing to do with the sexual orientation
of the perpetrator or the victim. If you have been sexually violated by
another male, this does not mean that you are gay.
Myth:
Gay males are more likely to sexually violate males.
Fact: Sexual
violence is about power and control, not about sexual orientation or sexuality
and desire. Most male perpetrators of sexual violence identify as heterosexual
and many have consensual female sexual partners. Some instances of sexual
violence actually are forms of gay-bashing carried out by heterosexual
men.
Myth:
Sexual violence does not happen to "real men."
Fact: No matter
a man's physical strength, he can be overpowered by weapons, overwhelming
odds, surprise attacks, or other methods. The attack is not a reflection
on a man's masculinity-even the most "manly" men can be sexually
violated. Sexual violence against males also can result from psychological
or emotional pressure such as manipulation, coercion, or threats.
Myth:
If a man has an erection or ejaculates, he enjoyed the experience and
gave consent.
Fact: An erection
and/or ejaculation can be an uncontrollable physiological response and
does not indicate that the victim enjoyed the sexual contact or consented
to it. Survivors commonly report that they had erections, even though
they were frightened and not consenting. Some also report ejaculation.
Myth:
Women cannot sexually violate men.
Fact: While
sexual violation of men by women is less common than sexual violence by
men to men, it does occur, and is a serious crime. It can include penetration
with an object, unwanted fondling, and other unwanted sexual acts.
Myth:
Sexual violence toward men only happens in prison.
Fact: While
sexual violence toward males does occur proportionally more often in prison
settings, it certainly occurs outside of institutional settings. The crime
is largely underreported, and can occur in cars, parks, residences, and
numerous other settings.
Myth:
Men who have been sexually violated will become perpetrators of sexual
violence themselves.
Fact: While
it is true that some perpetrators of sex crimes have histories of abuse,
it is not true that most victims continue this cycle. Further, the abuse
that sex offenders may have suffered is more often physical or mental
rather than sexual. Most victims do not become perpetrators themselves.
Back to Male victims of sexual violence page
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