Reason #3: Long-Term Effects on Mental Health

Despite the widely held belief that men are not as affected by rape as women are, researchers suggested that male rape is one of the highest causes of post-traumatic stress disorder among men. Men with a history of sexual abuse are at risk for health problems like major depressive disorder, substance abuse, anger management problems, and even suicide. Male survivors can also experience problems developing intimacy with partners and struggle with feelings of alienation. In extreme cases, sexual dysfunction can occur as a result of negative feelings associated with sex; agoraphobia has been reported in men who find themselves constantly in fear of being re-victimized. Aggression, irritability and rage problems are also common in men. It is easier for men to funnel unwanted or repressed feelings through anger and lash out instead of talk about their depression.

There is no doubt that sexual trauma has lasting effects on any person and, truth be told, men are more often the perpetrators in these situations. Male aggression, misogyny, and toxic masculinity are very real problems in the world, but we are forgetting that men can be victims of this, too. As much as we need to teach boys not to be aggressors, it is equally as important that we help men heal and stop the cycle of abuse.