Sexual assaults on men may involve touching, penetration, genital-to-genital contact, or even a physical attack that is sexualized in some form or another. These attacks may be performed by more than one perpetrator and can result in severe injuries and physical pain for the victim.
Post-sexual assault treatments for men may initially result in feelings of discomfort and humiliation due to the procedures involved. Male survivors may have to undergo a rectal examination to check for injuries and evidence of the attackers. The genitals may also be examined, as well as the mouth and throat if oral penetration occurred.
No matter whether the victim is gay, bisexual, or heterosexual, sexual assault can be extremely traumatic and difficult to work through. Heterosexual males may begin to think that the sexual assault makes them gay or that they will eventually turn homosexual. While men may feel the need to withdraw from any and all sexual relationships for some time following the assault, they should be reassured that the assault does not change their personality or their sexual preference in any way.
Bisexual and gay victims are often targeted because of their sexual orientation. Because of its nature, this type of assault is considered a hate crime. While bisexual and gay men suffer through the same types of mental and physical trauma, they may also experience a few variations. For instance, gay male victims may blame their sexual orientation or themselves for the assault. Furthermore, gay, bisexual and transgender assault victims commonly feel that they will receive disrespectful or hostile treatment from hospitals or other trauma treatment centers as a result of their orientation or lifestyle choice. Any rape victim, regardless of gender and sexual orientation, should be reassured and reminded that the rape was in no way, shape or form their fault.
Helpful Reading for Male Survivors of Sexual Violence
Online Resources for Male Survivors of Sexual Violence
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