Shattered mirror reflecting a man, symbolizing broken masculinity and societal expectations

Shattering the Silence: Understanding Male Sexual Assault and How Society Can Help

Elliot Brynn in Law & Justice August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore the hidden realities of male sexual victimization, challenging societal norms and paving the way for a more inclusive and supportive future."

Sexual assault is a deeply ingrained societal problem that disproportionately affects women, often overshadowing the experiences of male victims. This imbalance in focus has left male sexual victimization understudied, misunderstood, and shrouded in silence. However, ignoring male experiences obscures the full picture of sexual assault and perpetuates harmful stereotypes.

In a society where traditional gender roles dictate masculinity as dominant and invulnerable, men who experience sexual assault face unique barriers to acknowledging their victimization and seeking help. The prevailing narrative often casts men as perpetrators, not victims, further compounding their isolation and shame.

This article aims to shed light on the critical issue of male sexual victimization by synthesizing existing research, challenging societal perceptions, and advocating for inclusive support systems. By understanding the multifaceted challenges male survivors face, we can foster a more compassionate and equitable approach to addressing sexual assault for all.

Unveiling the Prevalence of Male Sexual Assault

Shattered mirror reflecting a man, symbolizing broken masculinity and societal expectations

Research indicates that male sexual victimization is more common than many realize, challenging the conventional image of sexual assault as solely a gender-based crime against women. Studies show considerable variability in prevalence rates, with some reporting that up to 65% of men have experienced some form of sexual victimization in their lifetimes.

The causes that may underlie the underrepresentation of this group in existing research and current policy include:

Prevailing Gender Roles: Societal expectations of men as strong and sexually dominant discourage them from identifying as victims.
Accepted Sexual Scripts: Traditional narratives often deny the possibility of male sexual victimization.
Rape Myths: Stereotypical beliefs about rape frame women as "ideal victims," further marginalizing male experiences.
Societal Perceptions: The combined effect of these factors inhibits men from seeking help and coping with the consequences of sexual victimization.

These factors create a perfect storm of silence, making it difficult for male survivors to come forward and receive the support they need. Addressing these deeply entrenched societal perceptions is crucial to breaking down the barriers and fostering a more inclusive and understanding environment.

Creating a More Equitable Future

Addressing gender differences in sexual victimization requires societal and political changes that challenge prevailing stereotypical perceptions of sexual victims. This includes comprehensive education, policy reforms, and the development of support services tailored to the specific needs of male survivors. By dismantling harmful stereotypes and promoting a more inclusive understanding of sexual assault, we can create a safer and more supportive world for all.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1177/1524838018816979, Alternate LINK

Title: Big Boys Don’T Cry: A Critical Interpretive Synthesis Of Male Sexual Victimization

Subject: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Journal: Trauma, Violence, & Abuse

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Authors: Joke Depraetere, Christophe Vandeviver, Tom Vander Beken, Ines Keygnaert

Published: 2018-12-16

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is male sexual assault, and why is it important to understand it?

Male sexual assault is a sexual victimization of men, which is often underreported and misunderstood due to societal norms and gender roles. It's significant because ignoring these experiences obscures the full picture of sexual assault and perpetuates harmful stereotypes. The implications include the need for inclusive support systems and challenging traditional perceptions.

How do traditional gender roles contribute to the underrepresentation of male victims of sexual assault?

Traditional gender roles play a significant role by dictating masculinity as dominant and invulnerable, making it difficult for men to acknowledge their victimization. This contributes to the underrepresentation of male victims because society often casts men as perpetrators, not victims, compounding their isolation and shame. The implications of these roles are that men may face unique barriers to seeking help and support.

What are 'accepted sexual scripts,' and how do they impact male sexual assault victims?

Accepted sexual scripts are traditional narratives that often deny the possibility of male sexual victimization. These scripts contribute to the underrepresentation by reinforcing stereotypes and making it difficult for male survivors to come forward. The implication is that it perpetuates a culture of silence and hinders the recognition of male experiences in sexual assault.

How do 'rape myths' affect male sexual assault victims and contribute to the underreporting of these crimes?

Rape myths are stereotypical beliefs about rape that frame women as "ideal victims," marginalizing male experiences. These myths contribute to the underrepresentation of male sexual assault by creating barriers for men to identify as victims and seek help. The implications include hindering the development of inclusive support services and perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

What steps are necessary to create a more equitable future in addressing male sexual assault?

Creating a more equitable future involves societal and political changes, including comprehensive education, policy reforms, and tailored support services. These changes are significant for addressing gender differences in sexual victimization by challenging prevailing stereotypical perceptions of sexual victims. The implications include fostering a more inclusive understanding of sexual assault and creating a safer world for all.