Victims experience challenges in common but men have particular difficulties. Victims commonly experience anxiety, depression, suicidality, feelings of worthlessness, shame, anger and self-blame as well as struggles with trust, intimacy and other relationship problems, challenges relating to sexuality and gender, identity issues and addictions, and challenges with authorities. 

Men also experience other difficulties associated with cultural attitudes about the role of men in society. These include

–  Fears about masculinity, male identity and sexuality

– Intense shame at being a victim

– Very low self-esteem and self-hatred

– Fear of being perceived as a perpetrator of abuse, when the majority are not

– Difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships

– Anger issues, including extreme risk-taking behaviours

– Male prostitution

– How abused male patients are perceived and treated in drug; alcohol and mental health services

– Receiving diagnoses of psychosis and anti-social personality disorder

– Meeting their needs in prisons, forensic services and special hospitals

– Issues connected with fatherhood.

Key takeaways–    

1. Men who have been sexually assaulted (as a child or adult) are at increased risk of suicidal thoughts, attempts and behaviours compared with men who have not been sexually assaulted.
2. A study shows that men on average take 25 years before disclosing their abuse in childhood, and some never disclose.

 Resources:

Survivors