“The Unheard Voices”: Lived Experiences of Sexual Abuse in Male Survivors

Abstract

Background: Victims of sexual abuse face unique emotional challenges. Among them, the male survivors of sexual assault have largely been neglected in the literature, being traditionally considered “against the norm” and symbolic of reduced masculinity. Methods: Qualitative approach was used to study the lived experiences of five (three heterosexual and two homosexual) male survivors of sexual abuse. In-depth interviews were conducted with consent, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Results: Commonality in the experiences of abuse (the identity of the abuser, nature of agony), perspectives of sharing the abuse history (lack of acceptance of “male” victimhood, the openness of the opposite gender, family reactions), and the long-term impact of abuse (withdrawal/change of interest as coping, sexual identity issues) emerged as the main superordinate theme (and subthemes). Conclusion: Society, with its patriarchy, often turns apathetic to male victimization in sexual abuse. Beliefs about masculinity and resultant trauma can cause a chronic social and psychosexual impact on the victims. More systematic research is needed to understand their perceptions, unmet needs, and experiences of recovery.

Meaning Making Mechanisms in Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Scoping Review

“…This involves performing altruistic acts like being generally helpful or caring, volunteering at community organizations, and helping other survivors (Banyard & Williams, 2007; Kaye-Tzadok & Davidson-Arad, 2016b; Krayer et al, 2015; Luck, 2010; Summerfield, 2011). Such altruistic acts seemed to render these women more compassionate and empathetic towards others and therefore created a role of purpose by encouraging other survivors and advocating for survivors (Baty, 2012; Burke Draucker et al, 2009; Das et al, 2016; Domhardt et al, 2015; Fleming-Hardy, 2017; Hartley et al, 2016; O’Dougherty Wright et al, 2007; Warner Stidham et al, 2012; Wienholz, 2014). One survivor from a study conducted by McMillen et al (1995) noted that she has become more compassionate towards others and feels able to help other survivors due to her own CSA experience “ I am a teacher, and it helps me to help the children in the school who are dealing with these issues.…”

“…Some qualitative studies and case reports had limitations in sampling regarding demographic representativeness due to the exceptionally small sample sizes on account of the nature of the studies (Barber, 2012; Beveridge & Cheung, 2004; Das et al, 2016; Gonzalez, 2017; Moore & Van Vilet, 2019; Price, 2001; Saha et al, 2011; Thompson, 2000; Vilenica et al, 2013). Demographic representativeness can also not be guaranteed in all quantitative, mixed method and review studies as the majority of studies were conducted with highly educated participants, employed participants and were conducted in the USA.…”

“…This meaning making mechanism discusses how survivors find meaning in actively pursuing their goals, investing in their abilities, competence, and skills so as to create opportunities and embrace a better future (Banyard & Williams, 2007;Chouliara & Narang, 2017). For survivors, meaning seems to be made in securing a better future for themselves, which ranges from focusing on improving their education or academic achievements, feeling financially secure, and improving their career to give them a sense of purpose and accomplishment (Ben-David & Jonson-Reid, 2017;Burke Draucker et al, 2011;Damiani, 2019;Das et al, 2016;Domhardt et al, 2015;Hyman & Williams, 2001;Kaye-Tzadok & Davidson-Arad, 2016b). In a study conducted by Kaye-Tzadok and Davidson-Arad (2016a), financial security was positively correlated to hope and resilience as survivors pave the way to healing by being more independent and in control of their futures.…”

Victimhood and Blame Dialectics in Culturally Diverse Male Students’ Discussions About Sexual Assault Policies

“…Another study, conducted in Ontario, Canada, collected data from 38 male clients of 29 hospital-based sexual assault centers over a year, further supporting the fact that male victimization happens. Researchers have addressed male victimization in South Africa ( Mgolozeli & Duma, 2020 ), Sweden ( Petersson & Plantin, 2019 ), and India ( Das et al, 2022 ).…”

Exploring the Lived Helpseeking Experiences of Male Survivors of Adulthood Sexual Violence and Abuse

“…Addressing the research gap around the experiences of male survivors of adulthood SVA is also critical for developing effective services and interventions. The lack of attention and research surrounding male survivors has resulted in theoretical models and empirical findings based primarily based on women's needs, overlooking male survivors' unique experiences and nuanced needs (Das et al, 2022;Davies, 2002;Fisher & Pina, 2013;Lowe & Rogers, 2017;Turchik et al, 2016;Turchik & Edwards, 2012). Attention must be placed on bridging the research gap and understanding the specific needs of male survivors of SVA in order to inform and develop effective and appropriate evidence-based interventions to address the men's unique needs for recovery adequately.…”