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Male Survivors

Most male victims never imagine sexual assault could happen to them, because we all are socialized to see sexual assault as a crime against women, not against men. Because of this, many men have a hard time grasping that this is not a sexual crime. However, sexual assault and rape are not about sexual preference or desire – they are crimes about power and control.  The motivation of the offender is to humiliate the other person.

Male victims have survived a violent assault. Sexual assault is devastating to all victims, regardless of gender, and many reactions are shared by both male and female victims. Male victims may feel rage, shame, guilt, powerlessness, helplessness, concerns regarding Male victimsr safety, and/or symptoms of physical illness.

However, there are special issues which may be different for Male victims such as doubts about their sexuality or masculinity or reluctance to be examined for medical procedures. Even the terminology that surrounds male victims and sexual assault can be confusing. By law, in the Commonwealth of Virginia, rape can only occur between males and females. If members of the same sex perform any unwanted sexual act on an individual (such as cunnilingus, fellatio, analingus, or anal intercourse) the accused can be found guilty of forcible sodomy, an offense that the court considers as severe as rape.

Male victims may hesitate to report the assault to law enforcement for fear of ridicule or fear that they won't be believed. The same feelings apply to telling other people the victim knows and to finding appropriate resources and support. This is true even if the male victims experienced the assault at a very young age and only now are realizing Male victims need help.

Male victims need to know that strong or weak; outgoing or withdrawn; gay, straight, or bisexual; old or Male victimsng; whatever Male victimsr physical appearance: Male victims have done nothing that justifies this attack. At no point and under no circumstance does anyone have the right to violate or control another's body. Sexual assault is a crime of violence and power, not of lust or passion.

• Male victims may need special support. There are several forms of help available to Male victims:
• Male victims can call a crisis line anonymously and request a male counselor
• Male victims can request an older or male nurse to assist in Male victimsr treatment at the hospital
• Male victims can find a support group of male survivors to help Male victims in Male victimsr healing process

As a man, many factors or fears may influence Male victimsr decision to report or not report to law enforcement. There are both advantages and disadvantages if Male victims choose to report.

The advantages include:

• Male victims may apply for Victims Crime Compensation
• The assailant may be caught and brought to trial
• Collection of medical evidence will be paid for by the Commonwealth of Virginia
• Male victimsr report may help protect others

The disadvantages include:

• Male victims may be treated in an insensitive manner;
• Male victims may not be believed;
• Prosecution is often unsuccessful.

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