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Often overlooked is the male
rape victim. However, male rape is being reported more and
more frequently and more victims are seeking psychological
counseling. There is some stigmatization that only gay men
are raped.
THIS IS A
MYTH! Although gay men are
often targeted and raped because of their sexual orientation,
"straight" men are also raped.
Most men who do seek counseling
do not do so based upon an incident of rape, but often disclosure
of the rape will come out in the course of counseling. Those
who do seek counseling as a direct result of rape often struggle
with shame and the belief that men "should be able to ward off
sexual assaults." It is an affront to their "maleness" to
have experienced such a powerless and humiliating
experience.
Male survivors have as much
right as anyone else to begin the process of healing from sexual
assault. Whether it took place in their childhood or as a
young or older adult, counseling is available. Being a male
victim of sexual assault does not infer weakness or that you
deserved it....it does mean, however, that someone violated and
took advantage of you.
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The Office of Sexual Assault Prevention provides counseling
specific to the needs of male victims and is dedicated to the
well-being of all victims, both male and
female.
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