Myths about male childhood sexual assault survivors

Article here. Excerpt:

'Many of us have accepted the myth that males cannot be victims of sexual assault. Even in our enlightened age, society still dictates that boys and men need to be tough, that to be considered "weak" is a disgrace and to have been let themselves be put in a powerless position is shameful. It is what boys are taught about being "real men "and boys are taught very young that they are expected to be able to protect themselves. The fact is men and boys can be victims of sexual assault. Research shows that 1 in 6 men have experienced unwanted or abusive sexual experiences before they reached age 18. Males, like females, experience lasting effects and emotional pain as a result of being victimized. Yet, male survivors of sexual abuse rarely receive the attention that females do. While we understand that any kind of victimization is traumatic and life changing, survivors of male childhood sexual abuse may face the greatest challenges. Boys often continue to blame themselves long into adulthood but the burden of being that "real man" often prevents them from seeking help.

Whether you agree with that definition of masculinity or not, we can all agree that boys are not men. They are children. They are weaker and more vulnerable than those who sexually abuse or exploit them, the perpetrators who use their greater size, strength and knowledge to manipulate or coerce boys into unwanted sexual experiences and staying silent. Usually this is done from a position of authority such as a coach, teacher, or religious leader or status such as an older cousin, admired athlete, or social leader. Perpetrators of child sexual abuse use whatever means are available to reduce resistance from young boys and teens such as attention, special privileges, money or other gifts, promises or bribes, even outright threats; whatever advantage can be taken to use a child for sexual purposes. Sexual abuse is never the child's fault.'