Myths & Facts About Male Sexual Assault

Within the community, there are many common but mistaken beliefs about rape. It is important to recognise and challenge these beliefs because they create a climate in which men who have been raped are very reluctant to speak about what has happened to them and so do not receive the acceptance, understanding and support they need.

The following examples of common but mistaken beliefs about rape are accompanied by a brief outline of the facts.

• A strong man can’t be raped. He must have consented.
  In fact being strong is no defence against rape and just because a man did not fight off his attacker does not mean he consented. Surprise, a weapon, threats, being outnumbered or frozen by fear, make fighting back impossible for most victims. Any man can be raped when his attacker, for whatever reason, has more power.
• Men are the perpetrators of sexual assault not the victims
  Although most perpetrators of sexual violence are men, men can also be victims.
• Only gay men are raped
  Both heterosexual and homosexual men are raped and statistics show that victims are more likely to be straight than gay. Sexual preference is not generally relevant, except perhaps where the victim is the target of an attack motivated by homophobia.
• Only gay men rape other men
  Both heterosexual and homosexual men rape other men. Those who commit sexual assault are motivated by the desire for power over others and so sexual preference is not particularly relevant to them.
• Men do not usually know their assailant
  Although men are sometimes sexually assaulted by strangers, it is more common for them to know their attacker. Sexual Assault Services see men who have been raped by strangers, acquaintances, family members, teachers, colleagues, youth leaders, and others.
• If it’s someone you know, it’s not rape
  Your rights over your body are the same whoever is involved. If the attacker is someone you know and trust, the abuse is in many ways worse.

The above information was taken from: Men and Rape: Information for Men about Sexual Assault. A pamphlet produced by the NSW Health Education Centre Against Violence. Parramatta, NSW.