The case of the Menendez brothers has recently gained attention again due to a Netflix fictional series along with a documentary. In a significant development on Thursday, the Los Angeles District Attorney submitted a petition to resentence Erik and Lyle Menendez, referencing new evidence related to the sexual abuse the brothers alleged they suffered from their father.

In the 1990s, prosecutors dismissed their claims of abuse as false. However, societal understanding has evolved since then.

Jennifer Freyd, an expert in betrayal trauma and sexual violence, explains that sexual violence encompasses not just personal conduct but also societal and institutional behaviors. The court’s decision to reexamine the Menendez case indicates a shift in institutional attitudes.

Moreover, the topic of male victims of sexual abuse has gained broader visibility. High-profile figures like Diddy are currently facing serious federal charges related to racketeering and sex trafficking, and former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries has been implicated in an international sex trafficking operation.

Freyd expresses hope that this increased awareness will lead to a safer environment for all.

“However, we still have a long journey ahead, especially regarding the recognition of the extent and consequences of familial child abuse, a deeply damaging form of betrayal trauma,” she states. Progress can be challenging, but it is a crucial beginning.

‘Survivors were silenced’

What has contributed to the change over the past few decades? A combination of survivors, researchers, journalists, and allies who have dedicated time to discussing these pressing issues play a significant role. Related social movements, such as the women’s movement of the 1970s, have also highlighted sexual violence.

At its core, society’s tolerance for sexual harassment, assault, and abuse has shifted.

Laura Palumbo, communications director of the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, explains that for many years, survivors were reluctant to identify their experiences of sexual abuse because they were largely ignored and seen as normal. Many were silenced by a culture that accepted rape myths and engaged in victim-blaming.

The emergence of the #MeToo movement in 2017 paved the way for a broader conversation regarding sexual abuse, misconduct, and the importance of consent. Younger generations are now much more conscious of consent compared to their predecessors and are educating their children on its importance. Many universities also require consent and harassment training for class registration, and similar practices are becoming standard in workplaces.

Freyd comments that when courts take these issues seriously, it can inspire courage within institutions.

Misconceptions about men and sexual assault

Male victims often encounter unique obstacles due to societal stereotypes that imply men cannot be victims, that they should be able to handle such experiences, and that they should always enjoy sexual encounters.

Amy Morin, a psychotherapist and author of “13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do,” notes that historically, sexual assault against men has been perceived as a direct attack on masculinity. Questions like ‘Why didn’t you resist your attacker?’ have discouraged men from discussing their experiences. The belief that a ‘real man can’t be sexually assaulted’ has persisted, and many legal frameworks have primarily aimed to protect female victims, suggesting men cannot experience such trauma.

The public’s awareness of male sexual victimization surged after the Catholic Church scandals in 2002, when allegations became so widespread that even skeptics couldn’t deny the reality of abuse against boys, as noted by psychologist Richard Gartner.

Morin highlights that these high-profile cases were a turning point: “Mental health professionals took advantage of the media coverage of those cases to bring attention to the fact that men can also be sexually abused.”

In recent years, further progress has been made. A destigmatization of mental health discussions has contributed to a reduction in victim-shaming and victim-blaming, according to licensed clinical social worker Cecille Ahrens. The rise of online discourse around mental health has played a significant role in this shift.

‘An open conversation’

The internet serves as both a supportive space and a challenging environment for survivors of sexual abuse. On one hand, they can find support and community, but on the other, they also face bullying and harassment. Additionally, as pornography becomes increasingly accessible on various devices, people are exposed to more sexual content than ever before.

“While this constant exposure can be damaging, it has also sparked important discussions around sexual freedom, sexual abuse, and the distinction between sexual choice and coercion,” states psychologist Reneé Carr.

“I believe we have seen progress over the past three to four decades,” Freyd shares, “and I’m hopeful this trend will continue.”