Further Aspects of Male-on-Male Rape and Sexual Assault in Greater Manchester

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to describe pertinent non-medical circumstances around male-on-male sexual assault, and supplements the earlier article in this journal regarding forensic medical aspects of this population. As services (medical, policing and judicial) see more males they will need to adapt themselves to their needs as well as those of their female clients. St. Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre (Greater Manchester, UK) opened in October 1986. Up to May 2003 it had seen 376 male (370 individual clients) and 7,789 female cases (7,403 clients). Of these, significantly fewer males reported to the police than females, although this difference has disappeared in recent years. There were also significant differences between the sexes regarding relationship, number of assailants, and assault location. There were no statistically significant differences between the sexes for age of the client, and presence in the assault of weapons or additional violence.

Male‐on‐male sexual assault: Victim, offender and offence characteristics

“…Victims are subjected to various sexual acts, with anal penetration being the most frequent. As pointed out in the introduction, while the majority of the studies support the finding that the offender and victim are usually acquaintances (McLean, Balding, & White, ), the term ‘acquaintance’ can be problematic as it has a different meaning in the various studies. It can mean anything from a sexual pick‐up (acquaintances for a few hours) to well‐established relationships (intimate partners, friends, colleagues and so on).…”

“…These figures should be approached with caution, however, as in reality figures are likely to be higher; many sexual offences are under‐reported, therefore making it difficult to obtain reliable information on their prevalence – especially when it comes to male victims. It has been suggested that the true prevalence of male‐on‐male sexual assault may not be any less than of male‐on‐female sexual assault (McLean, Balding, & White, ).…”

Effects of Sexual Assaults on Men: Physical, Mental and Sexual Consequences

“…Most research suggests that the sexual assault of men is more likely to be violent, and accompanied by more and greater corollary injuries, than sexual assaults of women (however, also see Kimerling, Rellini, Kelly, Judson, & Learman, 2002;and McLean et al, 2005). Here it is important to acknowledge that not all sexual assaults are violent, and often center on coercion of victims.…”

“…Throughout the literature there is both frequent discussion of what scholars believe to be under-reporting of male sexual assault victimization and documentation of research subjects that have never reported their victimization (to law enforcement, health care, mental health, or social services providers). Numerous reports suggest that male sexual assault victims (both adult and child) are far less likely to report their victimization than are female victims (Calderwood, 1987;Hodge & Cantor, 1998;Kaufman et al, 1980;McLean, Balding, & White, 2005). However, this differential rate of reporting may be dissipating or disappearing (McLean et al, 2005).…”

“…Numerous reports suggest that male sexual assault victims (both adult and child) are far less likely to report their victimization than are female victims (Calderwood, 1987;Hodge & Cantor, 1998;Kaufman et al, 1980;McLean, Balding, & White, 2005). However, this differential rate of reporting may be dissipating or disappearing (McLean et al, 2005). Individuals sexually assaulted during childhood, however, are more likely than those assaulted as adults to subsequently seek mental health services .…”