Myths and Facts

Myths and Facts

 

Myth: Men and Boys cannot be sexually assaulted.

Fact: 1 in 3 men have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact during their lifetimes. 1 in 26 men has experienced completed or attempted rape. 1 in 9 men were forced to penetrate someone during his lifetime. 1 in 9 men experienced sexual harassment in a public place. 8 in 10 male rape survivors reported that they were made to penetrate someone before age 25 and 4 in 10 were first made to penetrate as a minor. [1]

 

Dispelling the myth that men and boys cannot be sexually assaulted is crucial to promoting a more inclusive and empathetic society. Sexual assault is a traumatic experience that can affect individuals of all genders. It is essential to acknowledge that men and boys can be victims of such heinous acts and deserve the same support, understanding, and access to resources as any other survivor. Breaking down societal stereotypes and raising awareness about male sexual assault empowers survivors to come forward and helps dismantle harmful beliefs that perpetuate victim-blaming and stigmatization. By fostering an environment with open dialogue and support, we can work towards creating a safer and more compassionate community for all survivors, regardless of gender. 

 

Myth: He got aroused, so he asked for it.

Fact: Male victims' physical arousal during sexual assault is a physiological response not an indicator of consent. It is an involuntary reaction and does not justify or imply their willingness to engage in the abusive act. 

Perpetrators often use this manipulative tactic to blame the victim and maintain control. Understanding this crucial distinction is essential to support male survivors and combat victim-blaming in society. Additionally, many males are further mentally harmed because expected supporters are hesitant or reluctant to acknowledge and understand their experiences and the resulting pain. This lack of support exacerbates the mental weight, particularly the shame, leading many to assume they must bear the anguish alone. As a result, getting help during the abuse or even years later becomes more difficult, impeding the much-needed healing process. [2]

 

Myth: Only gay men sexually assault other men.

Fact: The abusive person's sexual orientation is irrelevant in the abusive interaction. The myth that only gay men sexually abuse other gay men is misguided and mentally harmful to the victims. Sexual abuse can occur regardless of sexual orientation. Perpetrators seek power and control, irrespective of their own or their victims' orientation. Generalizations contribute to stigmatization. We must support all survivors and hold perpetrators accountable, focusing on creating a safe environment for everyone. [3]

 

Myth: Being intoxicated or wearing revealing clothing is asking to be sexually assaulted. 

Fact: Sexual assault is about power and control, not what the victim looks or acts like.[1]

 

Myth: Males sexually assaulted by a female should not complain but rather should be thankful.

Facts: The statement is deeply problematic and perpetuates harmful attitudes regarding sexual assault and consent. It implies that males who are sexually assaulted by a female should not express any complaints about this crime. This notion is incorrect, insensitive, and promotes victim-blaming. Sexual assault is a traumatic and violating experience, regardless of the gender of the perpetrator or victim. No one should ever be subjected to any form of sexual violence, and it is essential to acknowledge that all survivors deserve empathy, support, and validation.[4]

 

Myth: Victims who don’t fight back must have wanted it. 

Fact: During an assault, many victims may encounter tonic immobility or a “freeze response”, rendering them physically unable to move or speak. In response to extreme fear or danger, the body’s nervous system can induce a state of temporary paralysis causing the person to become physically and mentally frozen and unable to move or speak. [5]

 

Myth: Getting assistance is costly for sexual assault survivors.

Facts: Many providers offer free or reduced services to victims of sexual assault. [6]

 

Myth: A person cannot sexually assault their partner.

Fact: 1 in 10 have been sexually assaulted by an intimate partner. [7]

 

 

[1] U.S. Department of Justice. National Crime Victimization Survey. 2009-2013

 

[2] Groth AN, Burgess W, Holmstrom LL. Rape: power, anger, and sexuality. Am J Psychiatry. 1977 Nov;134(11):1239-43. doi: 10.1176/ajp.134.11.1239. PMID: 910975.

 

[3] 1n6.org

 

[4] Friedersdorf, C. (2016). The Understudied female sexual predators. The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2016/11/the-understudied-female-sexual-predator/503492/ 

 

[5] TeBockhorst, S., O’Halloran, M., & Nyline, B. (2014). Tonic Immobility Among Survivors of Sexual Assault. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 7(2). 171-178

 

[6] MCASA: Find help near you.

 

[7] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey.