Sexual Assault of Men: College-Age Victims

Abstract

Although preliminary findings suggest that men in the early part of their adulthood are particularly at risk of sexual assault, publications on this type of victimization among college students frequently ignore this population. Administrators in higher education, alerted to the existence of these sexual crimes, are in a unique position to assist potential and actual victims. Through preventative, educational, and theraputic interventions, educators can greatly reduce the incidents of this crime and the traumatic impact that male rape victims often experience.

Male sexual violence victimization: Definitions, epidemiological profile, and psychological impact

“…74,76,78,92 Our results showed the highest rates of sexual assault were observed among the two youngest age groups (0-9 years and 10-19 years), a pattern commonly reported in previous studies. 5,15,79,101,102 Our results also showed that rates of sexual assault were higher among African-American males between the ages of 0-9 and 10-19 years.…”

“…11 Various clinical studies have estimated the percentage of male victims of sexual violence to be between 6-12%. [19][20][21] A review of literature by Isely (1998) indicated that the prevalence of sexual violence victimization is higher among college-attending males (average age 20 years) when compared to other age groups. 4 Another study looking at the prevalence of male sexual assault in the college student population suggested that 14% of males (compared with 24% females) had experienced an unwanted sexual experience at least once in their lives.…”

“…Studies that focused on adult male sexual assault estimated that prevalence of sexual assault of men in the community range from 0.6% to 22% depending on the demographic characteristics and sample population. 5,15,69 Establishing incident characteristics and prevalence rates of male sexual assault is often challenging due to the lack of a proper data source, differing definitions of the sexual assault, and underreporting. Previous studies have primarily estimated the prevalence of sexual violence among males using data obtained from nationally administered surveys or using clinically-based samples.…”

“…71,126,127 Previous estimates have suggested that 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men will experience an attempted or completed rape at some point in their lifetime in the United States. 4 Studies using adult samples have indicated that sexual victimization is a relatively frequent event, with prevalence estimates of sexual victimization ranging from 13% to 25% 4,27,128 among females and 0.6% to 22% 5,13,69 among males. Various studies have indicated that the prevalence of sexual violence victimization is higher among college-attending males and females (average age 20 years) when compared with other age groups.…”

“…54 A study of college-attending male victims of sexual assault suggested that 46% of all victims reported suicide ideation, 35% attempted suicide post-assault, 55% reported increased anger or rage, and 63.6% reported increased interpersonal problems. 5 A study by Waldrop et al (2007) investigating the interrelationships among victimization, PTSD, major depressive disorder, substance abuse, and suicidal behavior, reported that young adults with a history of sexual victimization were more likely to report suicide ideation and suicide attempts. 50 Findings from a cross-sectional survey of adult males and females (16 years or older) in the general population indicated that exposure to sexual abuse was significantly related to suicidal behaviors.…”