Although the majority of adulthood sexual violence involves a male perpetrator and a female victim, there is also substantial evidence that members of both genders can be victims and perpetrators of sexual violence. As an alternative to viewing sexual violence within gender-specific terms, we advocate for the use of a gender inclusive conceptualization of sexual aggression that takes into account the factors that contribute to sexual victimization of, and victimization by, both men and women. The goal of the current review is to examine the need and importance of a gender inclusive conceptualization of sexual violence and to discuss how compatible our current theories are with this conceptualization. First, we examine evidence of how a gender-specific conceptualization of sexual violence aids in obscuring assault experiences that are not male to female and how this impacts victims of such violence. We specifically discuss this impact regarding research, law, public awareness, advocacy, and available victim treatment and resources. Next, we provide an overview of a number of major sexual violence theories that are relevant for adult perpetrators and adult victims, including neurobiological and integrated biological theories, evolutionary psychology theory, routine activity theory, feminist theory, social learning and related theories, typology approaches, and integrated theories. We critically examine these theories' applicability to thinking about sexual violence through a gender inclusive lens. Finally, we discuss further directions for research, clinical interventions, and advocacy in this area. Specifically, we encourage sexual violence researchers and clinicians to identify and utilize appropriate theoretical frameworks and to apply these frameworks in ways that incorporate a full range of sexual violence.

Existing research reveals that men experience unwanted sexual contact more often than the public perceives and that these men suffer negative psychological impacts as a result of this unwanted sexual contact. Social perceptions of these men are understudied compared to those of female victims. The current study investigated social perceptions of male victims of female perpetrated sexual coercion compared to female victims of male perpetrated sexual coercion utilizing a cross-sectional design in a college sample {N = 302). Additionally, the sex role socialization analysis of rape, which has found negative relationships between participant gender role beliefs and attitudes toward female victims, was applied. Results found that participant gender, homophobia, and sexism, along with victim gender predicted attitudes toward victims of sexual coercion. Additionally, male victims were offered fewer recommendations for support. Implications for sexual assault education programming and support services are discussed.

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