Why men often don’t tell anyone about sexual abuse

It is almost estimated in Australia one in five boys (18.8%) experience the sexual abuse of children. And at least one in 16 men (6.1%) experiences sexual violence after the age of 15.

However, many boys and men do not talk about these experiences to others. Studies show that men are less likely Down reveal sexual abuse and assault than women.

First, it also requires boys and men reveal sexual abuse or assault. On average, men are waiting 21 years Before you tell anyone about utilize.

This is a problem because Talking to others It is often an vital part of understanding and recovery after these traumatic experiences. When boys and men do not discuss these experiences, it The risk of their mental health problems and insulation worsens And they don’t get The support they need.

We wanted to understand what prevents boys and men from talking to others about sexual abuse and attacks (or “sexual trauma”). So we did systematic reviewwhere we combined evidence from a number of research on this subject.

We found 69 vital research, including over 10,500 boys and men who have experienced sexual trauma from around the world. Research was published in 23 countries on six continents, with most research from the United States, Canada and Great Britain. Two studies were published in Australia.

Our modern arrangements contain tips on how to break down barriers that prevent men and boys from discussing sexual trauma.

Increasing male identity

We found in various countries and cultures, the sexual trauma of boys and men influenced their male identity. It included the feeling that they were not “real people” or that they were tender because they were attacked and attacked.

IN one examinationThe participant explained:

A man’s sexual abuse is also abusing his masculinity.

Almost widely, boys and men suffered an intense sense of shame and guilt because of the victim, and many have been blamed for years to decades.

Many boys and men said they were worried that others would think that they were gay if they revealed that they were used or attacked. This harmful stereotype reflects the widespread homophobic attitudes, as well as erroneous beliefs about the survivors over the utilize and attacks.

Sexual abuse for boys and men has long been overlooked, rejected and misunderstood. The nature of the problem was felt by participants. As a therapist said, who supported the survivors of abuse In one study:

As victims, we have no cultural place for men.

LGBTQia+ men have additional revealing barriers. Some have experienced concerns about concern abuse or assaults somehow cause or contribute to their sexuality. Many also reported receipt not supported and homophobic answers When they revealed abuse and assault of others. This includes their minimized and rejected stories, or suggestions that they had to agree, considering their train to other men.

Stigma if they say

In many cases, boys and men who tried to tell others about their sexual trauma, met with stigmatizing and useless answers. Some They were blamedIN He said they invented itOr Even mocking.

Others were discouraged from talking about their experiences again. In some countries, people tell boys and men not to talk about utilize or attack, because it is perceived as a shame and their families.

Boys and men who were attacked by women often said that their experiences cannot be classified as abuse or assault or are not bad enough to justify support.

Understanding why men don’t talk

Many of these barriers in revealing are related harmful myths About sexual abuse and assault among boys and men. These include the erroneous beliefs that men are not used or attacked, and that only homosexuals are used or attacked.

What’s more, many people think that experiencing sexual abuse or assault is contrary to a socially idea about How do people behave “should”: For example, constantly showing physical strength, domination, independence and endurance.

These strict ideas on what it means to be human Prevent many boys and men to reveal sexual traumaAnd they affect how others react when they reveal.

It can also mean boys and men Try to bury your difficulties after sexual injury Because they feel that they expect them to be dissatisfied and will deal with their problems independently.

What can we do better?

We know that experiencing sexual trauma is closely related to significant problems of mental health in boys and men. They include substance abuse and addiction, Post -traumatic stress disorderIN depression and even suicide.

Receiving non -branch and stigmatizing answers when they only try to seek support They deteriorate these problemsAnd he adds cycles of silence and shame.

We need to break down barriers that stop boys and men revealing these traumatic experiences. It can save lives.

Helping boys and men revealing sexual trauma is not only encouraging them to occur. We need to make sure that other people are prepared for protected response when they decide to speak.

There are many ways to raise awareness about sexual abuse and assault for boys and men. For example, television programs such as Baby reindeer It helped me to present this problem at the head of the conversation. Public health campaigns, which clearly lead boys and men to discuss sexual trauma, can also be helpful.

We also have to make more to make sure that boys and men experience sexual trauma Appropriate places to support. Australia has some services performing the necessary work in this space, such as Survivors & Mates support network. However, more funds and support are crucial for men throughout the country to have protected spaces to discuss and recover after their experiences.

The National Line of Sexual Counseling, Line of Counseling in the Family and Domestic Violence – 1800 Respect (1800 737 732) – is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for each Australian who has experienced or is threatened with family violence and // or sexual assault.