Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Compared to female rape victims, the literature addressing male rape victims remains a growing area of interest for counselors and scholars.
This article aims to review the growing literature on male sexual assault victims. Specifically, the review will examine the literature on male victims of sexual assault in nine sections: a an overview of male sexual assault, b male rape myths, c prevalence, d responses to male victimization, e populations and perpetrators of male victimization, f risk factors, g reporting, h the impact of sexual assault on men, i help-seeking, and j implications for counseling.
Empirical studies, case reports, and books are included in the review. Sexual assault, harassment, non-penetrative acts of sex, and attempted and committed rape are all examples of violent sexual behavior. It is a significant public health issue that warrants significant public, societal, and judicial attention [ 1 ].
Molestation is abusive sexual activity committed by one person against another [ 3 ]. It is frequently committed with the use of force or by taking advantage of someone [ 3 ]. Molestation is a term used to describe a single incident of sexual assault on a young child, whereas sexual abuse is a term used to describe a pattern of repeated sexual assaults. Sexual abuse can have catastrophic and pervasive repercussions. Victimization has a direct negative influence on the physical and mental health of those who experience it, leading to short- and long-term physical injury, fear, anxiety, despair, post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD , low self-esteem, social difficulties, and suicide ideation [ 4 ].
Together with other socioeconomic implications such as being unable to work, dropping out of school, being stigmatized, and being shunned by their communities, it is also linked to an increased risk of sexual and reproductive health issues [ 5 , 6 , 7 ]. Men are generally seen to be as less affected by sexual victimization.
