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Sexual Assault: Underserved Populations

Please Remember that Sexual Assault is Never Your Fault!

If you were forced to have any type of sexual contact without consent your a victim/survivor and are Never to Blame!

Male Victim/Survivor

Prevalence

Society often fails to recognize that males can be sexually assaulted which can make receiving assistance and support more challenging for male victims.  Research indicates that 1 in 16 males will be the victim of a sexual assault during their college career.  Although anyone can perpetrate a sexual assault against a male, the vast majority of perpetrators of sexual assault against males are other males.  Physiological responses to sexual assault may cause confusion and factor into the survivor’s perceived victimization.

Response to Sexual Assault

Although male victims of sexual assault experience many of the same reactions to sexual assault as women do including: confusion, shame, self-blame, anger, anxiety, guilt, depression, fear and sadness, male victims may be more likely to respond to the assault with outward anger or try to minimize the severity of the assault.  Like all victims, however, responses to sexual assault will be unique to each survivor.

Sexual Assault of Males

Can include unwanted touching of the male’s body including the penis, scrotum and buttocks over or under clothing.

Rape of Males

Includes any forced penetration, however slight, of the oral or anal cavity with a body part or object.

LGBTQ Victim/Survivor

Anyone can be the victim of a sexual assault. Individuals who identify as LGBTQ and who are survivors of sexual assault often face additional obstacles and unique challenges when it comes to reporting the assault and seeking resources for assistance.  Like all survivors, LGBTQ survivors often feel self-blame, shame, fear, anger, and depression.  Please know that you will not be required to disclose your sexual orientation if you do not feel comfortable doing so. You have the right to receive resources and support in a nonjudgmental and emotionally supportive manner.

Here are some additional concerns that LGBTQ Survivors may have:

  • LGBTQ Survivors may have been targeted because of their sexual orientation
  • LGBTQ survivors may question their sexuality after an assault
  • LGBTQ survivors may lack the support system from friends and family who are not accepting of their sexual orientation and may be reluctant to disclose the assault
  • LGBTQ survivors may face difficulties in reporting and receiving services after the assault as they may feel pressure to disclose their sexual orientation when they are not comfortable doing so.
  • LGBTQ survivors may feel pressure from the LGBTQ Community that reporting the assault or receiving services only serves to perpetuate societal myths of this group