Recently, various high-profile cases, such as the Menendez Brothers, Sean “Diddy” Combs facing lawsuits from multiple victims, and Abercrombie & Fitch’s former CEO Mike Jeffries being implicated in a secret sex trafficking operation, have drawn considerable attention. All these cases highlight a shared theme: male victims of sexual abuse, an often overlooked aspect of sexual assault. Research indicates that approximately one in six men experience such trauma.

Men encounter unique barriers when coming forward with claims of sexual misconduct, including skepticism and societal stigma, particularly if they were assaulted by other males.

Consequences of Speaking Out

The outcomes of these legal proceedings may hinge on the credibility of the accusers as they navigate the court system.

The #MeToo movement has certainly opened doors for abuse victims to share their stories, yet those accusing affluent and influential individuals often face significant hurdles in being perceived as trustworthy. One reason is the prevailing stereotypes of what a victim should look like –often envisioned as passive, virtuous, and female.

When bias preexists, it takes less convincing evidence to maintain that belief and people are more inclined to accept any notion that supports their perspective.

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According to David Pizarro, a professor at Cornell University who researches the impact of biases on moral judgment, many people tend to only acknowledge evidence that supports their beliefs without engaging in deeper thought about the subject. He noted that when confronted with information that challenges their views, individuals often begin to think more critically to formulate counterarguments.

Perceptions of Male Accusers in Society

Male survivors encounter distinct hurdles due to societal stereotypes surrounding masculinity, which imply that men cannot be victims, are expected to be resilient, and should always welcome sexual encounters. The experiences of male victims are further complicated by societal homophobia since 96% of the abusers are male. Concerns about appearing gay can lead to shame and a reluctance to disclose abuse, particularly when physical reactions to trauma occur, which is natural for any victim.

Experts indicate that cultural attitudes towards masculinity may hinder male survivors from engaging in healing processes or seeking assistance. Sexual violence against men can lead them to feel as if they no longer embody masculinity. Society views men as powerful, sexual, and stoic protectors, whereas victims are mistakenly perceived as weak and defenseless. This perception discourages many men from identifying as survivors, causing them to conceal or downplay their experiences. While they might express anger, which is socially acceptable, they often refrain from showing sadness or grief.

According to Sharon Imperato, a counselor and trainer with the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center who has worked with survivors of sexual trauma for many years, trauma should not be considered an unusual experience. She asserts that any reaction from a trauma survivor is a typical response.

While it’s known that many female survivors of abuse often delay reporting their assailants, experts believe that male abuse victims may be underreported as well. For accurate statistics, men who have faced violence need to recognize their experiences as sexual assault. Many refuse to acknowledge their trauma due to the misconception that males cannot suffer sexual violence, leaving them unable or unwilling to name their experiences.

Jim Struve, a licensed clinical social worker and executive director of MenHealing, an organization that supports sexually assaulted or abused men, stated that male survivors frequently oscillate between extremes. Some may become high achievers, striving to accomplish more, while others may struggle in their personal and work relationships, often resorting to alcohol or legal troubles.

“For those who appear highly successful, people often presume that they’ve coped well and that their trauma hasn’t affected them,” he explained. “Conversely, when individuals are struggling, the focus isn’t on ‘What has occurred to you?’ but rather on ‘What is wrong with you?'”