No wonder so few men actually get help after being sexually assaulted. The fact is that only 5 to 20% of all victims of sexual assault actually report the crime– the percentage for male victims is even lower. Feelings of shame, confusion and self-blame leave many men suffering in silence after being sexually assaulted.
Full Answer
Should I seek therapy for trauma after a sexual assault?
After reporting the sexual assault to the authorities and obtaining medical attention that includes a forensic examination and preventive treatments, all victims of sexual assault should seek therapy for trauma.
How can I help a male victim of sexual assault?
A local rape crisis center may be able to refer men to mental-health practitioners who are well-informed about the needs of male sexual assault victims.
What percentage of rape victims seek medical evaluation after the assault?
Only 16 to 38% of rape victims report the rape to law enforcement, and only 17 to 43% present for medical evaluation after rape; one third of victims of rape never report the assault to their primary care doctor. 1,2,8,9 Although this review focuses on the evaluation of women, men may also present after sexual assault.
Why don’t more men seek help after sexual assault?
There may be other aspects in men’s lives that could limit their ability to access resources and services after experiencing sexual assault or abuse. For example, trans men may face barriers when navigating medical care or black men may have concerns about reaching out to law enforcement.
What percentage of men engage in sexual assault?
About 3% of American men—or 1 in 33—have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime. 1 out of every 10 rape victims are male.
How many sexual assault cases were there in 2020?
In 2020, about 298,628 women were raped or sexually assaulted in the U.S. - a significant decrease from the 406,970 victims reported in the previous year. In that same year, 21,320 men were raped or sexually assaulted.
What percent of sexual assault victims have mental health issues?
Mental Health and Sexual Assault One survey that focused on teenage girls who had been sexually assaulted found that after a few months following the event, 80% of them developed one mental health disorder and 55% had at least two mental health disorders.
What percentage of sexual assaults are reported?
Most rapes and sexual assaults were not reported to the police (table 3). Sixty-three percent of completed rapes, 65% of attempted rapes, and 74% of completed and attempted sexual assaults against females were not reported to the police.
What percent of sexual assault survivors have PTSD?
Almost one-third (31%) of all rape victims developed PTSD sometime during their lifetime; and more than one in ten rape victims (11%) still has PTSD today. Rape victims were 6.2 times more likely to develop PTSD than women who had never been victims of crime (31% vs 5%).
How many sexual assault victims have depression?
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) affects an estimated one-third of all rape victims, often for an extended period of time.
Why do most crimes typically go unreported?
Common reasons for individuals not reporting crime include fear of not being believed, insecurity, and fear of getting into trouble. These reasons are most common for not reporting rape. It is commonly assumed that most of the rape cases go unreported; some estimates go up to or above 90%.
What are the statistics on sexual assault?
More specifically, NSVRC (2015) research on sexual assaults found: 1 33% of women who are raped contemplate suicide 2 13% of women who are raped attempt suicide 3 Victims are 3.4 times more likely to use marijuana than the general public... 4 6 times more likely to use cocaine than the general public, and 5 10 times more likely to use other major drugs than the general public 6 38% of victims of sexual violence experience work or school problems 7 37% experience family/friend problems, including getting into arguments more frequently than before, not feeling able to trust their family/friends, or not feeling as close to them as before the crime
What happens if you don't report sexual assault?
Beyond the obvious legal implications of not reporting these crimes, those who do not report sexual assault incidents are less likely to receive appropriate treatment. This can mean months or years of struggling with anxiety, depression, intrusive memories, and intimacy difficulties.
How many people recover from PTSD?
Some good news is that research shows that 90% of individuals “naturally recover” from a traumatic event, meaning that their PTSD symptoms dissipate over time. It is not exactly known why some individuals recover more quickly than others, but one theory is that those individuals who recover do not “avoid” the trauma.
How many times more likely are people to use cocaine than the general public?
6 times more likely to use cocaine than the general public, and. 10 times more likely to use other major drugs than the general public. 38% of victims of sexual violence experience work or school problems.
What is sexual violence?
The term “sexual violence” is an all-encompassing, non-legal term that refers to crimes like sexual assault, rape, and sexual abuse. Sexual assault is defined by the United States Department of Justice as “any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient.”.
How long after a rape do you have PTSD?
In fact, 94% of women who are raped experience post-traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD) symptoms in the two weeks following the assault. This is normal.
How to overcome trauma?
Make meaning of what happened and how it has affected your deepest self and your family. Reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Increase a personal sense of confidence and competence.
How many people report sexual assault?
The fact is that only 5 to 20% of all victims of sexual assault actually report the crime– the percentage for male victims is even lower. Feelings of shame, confusion and self-blame leave many men suffering in silence after being sexually assaulted.
How to get medical attention for a sex assault?
Get medical attention. Go to UT Hospital or contact the Sexual Assault Center of East Tennessee at 865-522-7273 (24 /7). Even if you feel embarrassed about your injuries, it is very important to receive medical assistance.
What happens if you are sexually abused as a child?
If you were sexually abused when you were a child or a teenager, you may have different feelings and reactions at different times in your life. The 1in6 website has answers to many of the questions or concerns you might have as an adult survivor of child or teen sexual abuse.
Why do male survivors question whether they deserve or somehow wanted to be sexually assaulted?
Many male survivors may even question whether they deserved or somehow wanted to be sexually assaulted because, in their minds, they failed to defend themselves. Male survivors frequently see their assault as a loss of manhood and get disgusted with themselves for not “fighting back.”.
How to contact a sexual assault hotline?
Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline. Call 800.656.HOPE (4763) to be connected to a trained staff member from a local sexual assault service provider in your area. Consider therapy or other mental health support. Some therapists specialize in issues you may be facing as a result of the abuse or assault.
Why do men pull back from relationships?
Many men pull back from relationships and wind up feeling more and more isolated. It’s easy to see why male survivors of sexual assault are at increased risk for getting depressed, getting into trouble at work, getting physically hurt, or developing alcohol and drug problems.
What is the trauma of sexual assault?
The trauma of sexual assault involves losing control of your own body and possibly fearing death or injury. There are certain ways that human beings react to trauma that are the same for men and women.
Initial Examination
Decisions to perform the following tests should be made on an individual basis. An initial examination after a sexual assault might include the following:
Other Management Considerations
At the initial examination and, if indicated, at follow-up examinations, patients should be counseled regarding symptoms of STIs and the need for immediate examination if symptoms occur. Further, they should be instructed to abstain from sexual intercourse until STI prophylactic treatment is completed.
Follow-Up
After the initial postassault examination, follow-up examinations provide an opportunity to detect new infections acquired during or after the assault, complete hepatitis B and HPV vaccinations, if indicated, complete counseling and treatment for other STIs, and monitor side effects and adherence to PEP, if prescribed.
Risk for Acquiring HIV Infection
HIV seroconversion has occurred among persons whose only known risk factor was sexual assault or sexual abuse; however, the frequency of this occurrence likely is low ( 1428, 1429 ). In consensual sex, the per-act risk for HIV transmission from vaginal intercourse is 0.08%, and for receptive anal intercourse, 1.38% ( 192 ).
What to do after sexual assault?
After reporting the sexual assault to the authorities and obtaining medical attention that includes a forensic examination and preventive treatments, all victims of sexual assault should seek therapy for trauma. The health care provider that performs your medical examination and law enforcement officials you speak to during ...
How long do you have to prescribe antidepressants after a sexual assault?
Others may need to refer you to a psychiatrist or other physician with prescribing rights. They may prescribe antidepressants for the first six to 12 months after the occurrence of the sexual assault.
What is the purpose of counseling centers?
The counseling center should provide a safe and supportive environment to augment the process of healing from the sexual assault. Most of these centers have professional counselors that can offer therapy for trauma received from childhood sexual assault or adult survivors of sexual violence.
Can sexual assault be a prominent role in your life?
By seeking help and healing your emotional wounds, the effects of sexual assault won't play a prominent role in your life. You may also find you're able to provide this priceless help to another victim of sexual assault. (See: Sexual Assault Support: Why You Need It, Where to Find It) Gluck, S. (2012, July 25).
Why is it important to be patient with yourself after sexual assault?
If you are recovering from sexual assault, you may not be motivated to do your daily activities. Yet your body still needs nutrition and sleep. Physical health and mental health are strongly linked.
What is the best treatment for sexual abuse?
The following therapeutic approaches are commonly used in treating sexual abuse: Depth therapy focuses on a person's unconscious thoughts, feelings, and memories. In therapy, a person can learn how their unconscious emotions affects conscious behaviors.
Why do people need social support?
Due to the stigma around sexual assault, communities may ostracize a survivor. Social support can help a loved one feel less isolated or hopeless. Survivors sometimes blame themselves for the abuse, especially if they knew the offender. You may need to remind the person that the abuse was not their fault.
How does EMDR help with abuse?
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) uses subtle eye movements to help “rewire” the brain. EMDR can change the way the survivor processes the memory of the abuse.
What to do if someone assaulted you long ago?
Even if an assault took place a long time ago, you may need to keep checking in with the person. Use the resources available to you. Remember, it is not your job to find proof of the assault or abuse. Nor is it your place to punish the offender. Enacting revenge is may result in legal consequences.
Is therapy confidential?
In general, therapy sessions are confidential. Exceptions occur in cases of child sexual abuse. If a therapist has reason to believe a child is being abused, they are required by law to report said abuse to the authorities. Pediatricians, school teachers, and other professionals are also required to report.
When referring to sexual abuse, follow your loved one's lead?
When referring to sexual abuse, follow your loved one’s lead. This article uses the term “survivor, ” but not everyone may wish to be called that. Some people prefer to be called victims, feeling “survivor” is a patronizing word. Offer continuing support.
How long after a sexual assault can you get HIV?
HIV-postexposure prophylaxis may be offered if the patient presents within 72 hours after a sexual assault, but its use is controversial in cases in which the perpetrator is not known or is suspected to be HIV-positive. In the absence of data from randomized trials, evidence for the use of HIV prophylaxis in cases of sexual assault is extrapolated from studies of maternal–fetal transmission and exposure of health care workers. Treatment with antiretroviral agents in these circumstances decreases the rate of transmission of HIV by 70 to 80%. 34,35
What is a nurse examiner for sexual assault?
In some centers, a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) who has extensive training and experience is responsible for examining the victim for injuries, providing objective documentation, and collecting evidence while maintaining chain of custody and offering support and community referrals.
How much levonorgestrel is safe after rape?
Pregnancy Prevention. The risk of pregnancy after rape is approximately 5%. 30 Progestin-only emergency contraception (1.5 mg of levonorgestrel), which is administered as a one-time dose within 120 hours after unprotected intercourse, has been shown to be 98.5% effective in preventing pregnancy.
What should the examiner take care of?
The examiner should take care to explain each step of the examination process and the reasons behind each step. The patient should be given the opportunity to determine the pace of the examination and be reminded of the option of declining any part of the examination. Figure 2. Figure 2.
How long does it take to collect forensic evidence?
After medical clearance, the patient should be offered evidence collection. The collection of forensic evidence is a multistep process that can take 6 or more hours to complete and is best performed by specially trained personnel.
Does gonorrhea cover syphilis?
29 Syphilis is less prevalent, and prophylaxis for gonorrhea may also provide coverage for syphilis.
Is rape a legal term?
Rape is a legal term and in the United States refers to any penetration of a body orifice (mouth, vagina, or anus) involving force or the threat of force or incapacity (i.e., associated with young or old age, cognitive or physical disability, or drug or alcohol intoxication) and noncon sent.
How common is sexual abuse?
Sexual abuse is common, particularly for women and girls. Ninety percent of all rapes are committed against women. One in six women in America have experienced rape. One in five girls and one in 20 boys experience childhood sexual abuse.
What is sexual assault?
Sexual Assault / Abuse. Sexual abuse is any form of sexual violence, including rape, child molestation, incest, and similar forms of non-consensual sexual contact. Most sexual abuse experts agree sexual abuse is never only about sex. Instead, it is often an attempt to gain power over others.
How long does it take for a child to disclose sexual abuse?
73% of child targets do not disclose the abuse for a year or more. 45% of child targets do not disclose abuse until at least five years have passed. Although sexual abuse in children can be difficult to recognize, detection is possible.
How old are children most vulnerable to sexual abuse?
Children are most vulnerable to childhood sexual assault between 7 and 13 years old. 10% of American children are abused before the age of 18. Among children who are sexually abused, 20% experience sexual abuse before age 8. Despite being common, children who experience abuse do not always report it right away.
Can a sexual abuse survivor get a physical exam?
Survivors may also wish to get a physical exam at a hospital. Therapy can also be helpful for those who experienced sexual abuse in the past. Some therapists specialize in addressing the trauma of sexual assault. Long-term assistance may be beneficial to some survivors of sexual abuse.
Can LGBTQ+ people be held accountable for domestic violence?
In cases of domestic violence, members of the local LGBTQ+ community may refuse to believe the survivor or hold the offender accountable. LGBTQ+ survivors of sexual assault can get help from a therapist. Mental health professionals cannot disclose one’s personal information to others.
Do you need proof to report child abuse?
However, one does not need proof to report child abuse. Finding proof is the job of Child Protective Services. To report abuse, one only needs “reasonable suspicion” that abuse is taking place. Reporting sexual abuse may prevent a child from having mental health concerns in adulthood.
Sexual Assault Statistics
- According to RAINN.org (2017) statistics, an American is sexually assaulted every 98 seconds. This statistic alone is incredibly alarming, but other statistics suggest that: 1. One in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before they turn 18 years old (National Sexual ViolenceResource Center, 2015). 2. One in five women and one in ...
What Is Sexual Violence?
- The term “sexual violence” is an all-encompassing, non-legal term that refers to crimes like sexual assault, rape, and sexual abuse. Sexual assault is defined by the United States Department of Justice as “any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient.” This can mean inappropriate and unwanted touching and forced sexual acts (includin…
Common Experiences and Symptoms Following Sexual Assault
- Sexual assault is traumatic. Similar to other traumatic experiences, it is normal for a person to experience trauma-reaction symptoms in the weeks following an assault. In fact, 94% of women who are raped experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in the two weeks following the assault. This is normal. It is a reaction to the fear, feeling of loss of control, and vul…
Unhelpful Ways of Coping
- Making the decision to not report a sexual assault may temporarily help you to believe you are “fine,” in control of yourself and the situation, or that you are not too bothered by what occurred. Making the decision to not seek professional mental health treatment may also help to temporarily reinforce these desired beliefs. While these are understandable acts of demonstrati…
When to Seek Treatment
- It is highly suggested that you seek treatment sooner rather than later. Some of the more easily identifiable benefits to doing this include shortened treatment time, quicker recovery, and less time spent missing out on life. From a clinical perspective, the amount of suffering and distress is substantially reduced when a person seeks treatment earlier on. This can be hard to appreciate …
Effective Treatments
- There are highly effective, trauma-focused therapytreatments available. These include Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged-Exposure Therapy (PE), and Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). Each of these treatments looks different in practice, but helps the individual to work through the traumatic experience(s) and move forward in life. Trauma-focuse…