Our society is well aware of female victims but what we don’t hear about often is the stigma around child sex abuse and male victims. Most people are shocked to learn that 1 in 6 men have been sexually victimized (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Men who were sexually abused as a child or adult both experience anxiety, depression, PTSD, flashbacks and eating disorders. The concern here is that male victims often don’t see themselves as victims because of the shame that they carry around their abuse. Society heavily influences a belief that boys and men need to withdraw from showing emotions that would be presented as weak, or that no one would believe them if they did speak up. ABC News says, "In a culture where boys aren't supposed to cry, male sexual abuse gets obscured."

According to Psychiatric Times, there are many myths around male rapes and they are responsible for why men don’t disclose or get the proper help they need because of the perpetuating stigma. Some myths include: Males cannot be sexually abused or victimized, Sexual abuse turns a boy/youth gay, Sexually abused boys inevitably become sexually abusive men, Males are less traumatized by sexual abuse than females, and Boys/males can say no to abuse if violence isn't used (doc). Male survivors battle these myths everyday which creates an unsafe space to be able to talk to someone about their abuse.

It's so important to support male survivors that have experienced child sexual abuse. For male survivors, stereotypes around masculinity make it hard for them to confide and talk to family and friends. According to RAINN some advice on how to support male survivors are: listen, validate their feelings, express concern, and provide appropriate resources. A Courageous Voice offers programs to help keep children safe off and online using evidence-based, educational tools and educating adults to raise awareness around child sex abuse.  ACV follows a framework guided by HOPE around prevention education to help foster positive childhood experiences.  Healthier, happier, well adjusted, and successful children help build stronger communities! 

For more information, please reach out to info@acourageousvoice.org or to learn more, visit www.acourageousvoice.org