Men Can't Be Raped!

About 3% of American men—or 1 in 33—have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime(National Institute of Justice & Centers for Disease Control & Prevention)

What is the difference between sexual assault and rape?

Sexual assault is the unwanted sexual contact. Which means being touched, and or having your personal boundaries crossed without providing your consent. Which can include fondling, petting, voyeurism, exhibitionism and sexual harassment.

Rape is by definition forced sexual intercourse. Force does not always have to be physical. It can be a verbal threat, a psychological threat or even coercion.

Who made up these lies that only women can have their sexual boundaries crossed?

TheFlounce / Via theflounce.com

There is a sick stigma, that only women can be raped. A stigma that women can only have their sexual boundaries crossed. These statements cannot be far from the truth. 1 in ever 33 men have their sexually boundaries crossed everyday!

Think about those numbers. Sit back and look at the people around you. We are currently living in a rape culture society. Which not only affects women but it affects men as well. Fortunately, the stories of male sexually assaults are becoming more shared among the masses. For many years, there have not been safe spaces for men that have been sexually assaulted.

Why, as a society are males handled differently than females?

The society we live in has always had a double standard for men and women. Which in sexual assault is very apparent.

We have always lived in a world that has always promoted men as the stronger sex. As individuals that dominate, and cannot be dominated.Which in my opinion has been one of the thriving problems with men being able with feeling safe enough to report these crimes.

It has been noted in multiple publications. That the act of sexual assault, is not even truly about the sexuality portion of the event. No matter what the gender of the offender of the offended. Sexual assault is about power and control.

It is a thought that male rape only happens in prisons. Little known fact, that is extremely untrue. These acts are happening around us everyday.

For every man that decides to come forward. To share his story, to get that support he needs. There are 32 others that are too afraid. Our society has provided these survivors with nothing. What a true disgusting disservice that is happening to these individuals. Once an individual finally get the courage to seek help that they are shamed. Shamed for “allowing someone to rape them”.

Any sexual trauma is not something that you should shame an individual for. Man, woman or child.

But, why?

There has been a lot of research conducted about sexual trauma. A lot of the research is directed to find the answer to what i call the Why questions:

Why, do sexual offenders offend?Why do they not receive rehabilitation?Why do male survivors not come forward? Why is there more treatment and support for female survivors vs male survivors?

Those are seemingly the why questions that has led to more research and conversation.

The conversations that have been suppressed all of these years.The conversations that are going to change the world.But, finally the conversations around male survivors are getting louder.

While, there is an entirely different set of why questions that lead to answering one of the big WHY questions Why don't men come forward, after being sexually assaulted?

It has been noted in multiple publications, and within research. That the act of sexual assault, is not even truly about the sexuality aspect of the event. No matter what the gender of the offender or of the offended. Sexual assault is about power and control.

It is a thought that male rape only happens in prisons. Little known fact, that is extremely untrue. These acts are happening around us everyday.

You should never question an individual that has experience sexual trauma. Would you question a woman that finally had the courage to seek support? So why would you question a man?

Things that can be HELPFUL!

By asking What do you need from me right now?

SHOULD BE one of the first questions you ask a survivor. As they have just shown that they trust you. You are now a safe space for them. SO BE THAT SAFE SPACE!

RESOURCES:

1in6.org

The mission of 1in6 is to help men who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences in childhood live healthier, happier lives.

www.hopeforhealing.org/male.html

Male Rape. Yes, men can be victimized. No, it does not mean you are weak. A listing of web resources for male survivors.

http://www.malesurvivor.org/index.php

Dedicated to a safe world, we are an organization of diverse individuals committed through research, education, advocacy, and activism to the prevention, treatment and elimination of all forms of sexual victimization of boys and men.

https://www.rainn.org

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization and was named one of "America's 100 Best Charities" by Worth magazine. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE) in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help victims, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.