Myth 1: It was his/my fault, especially if he/I got aroused.
Fact: It is important to understand that even in sexual situations that are traumatic or even painful.
Erection or ejaculation are both physiological responses that can be induced by pressure on the prostate and through manipulation. Abusers will use such manipulation to discourage offense reporting and confuse the victim.
Fact: It is important to understand that even in sexual situations that are traumatic or even painful.
Erection or ejaculation are both physiological responses that can be induced by pressure on the prostate and through manipulation. Abusers will use such manipulation to discourage offense reporting and confuse the victim.
Myth 2: All male survivors will abuse others
Fact: This myth may cause boys and men to fear becoming an abuser, as well as fear of others finding out because they will believe they are a danger to children.
There is no evidence to suggest an automatic route from experiencing abuse to going on to commit sexual offenses.
Fact: This myth may cause boys and men to fear becoming an abuser, as well as fear of others finding out because they will believe they are a danger to children.
There is no evidence to suggest an automatic route from experiencing abuse to going on to commit sexual offenses.
Myth 3: Sexual abuse is less harmful to boys/men than girls/women
Fact: Sexual abuse and/or assault is damaging for both males and females.
Males experience increased harm, shame felt, because adults who could help are reluctant, or refuse, and they usually feel they have to "tough it out" on their own. This makes it harder for victims to seek needed help in the midst of the abuse.
Fact: Sexual abuse and/or assault is damaging for both males and females.
Males experience increased harm, shame felt, because adults who could help are reluctant, or refuse, and they usually feel they have to "tough it out" on their own. This makes it harder for victims to seek needed help in the midst of the abuse.
Myth 4: Being a male survivor means he/I am gay
Fact: It is common for boys/men who have been abused to express confusion about their sexual identity and orientation. There is no evidence that someone can "make" another person be homosexual or heterosexual.
Fact: It is common for boys/men who have been abused to express confusion about their sexual identity and orientation. There is no evidence that someone can "make" another person be homosexual or heterosexual.
Myth 5: Males abused by females "got lucky"
Fact: Ideas that men should always want sex and that as a young man you should feel lucky to have sex with an older woman is what makes it difficult for a boy/man to name sexual assault by a woman publicly.
In reality, premature, coerced or otherwise exploitive or abusive sexual experiences are never positive; whether imposed by a baby sitter, sister of a friend, older sister/relative, aunt, teacher, boss or any other female in a position of power. Being sexually used and/or abused, whether by a female or male, can cause emotional and psychological problems.
Fact: Ideas that men should always want sex and that as a young man you should feel lucky to have sex with an older woman is what makes it difficult for a boy/man to name sexual assault by a woman publicly.
In reality, premature, coerced or otherwise exploitive or abusive sexual experiences are never positive; whether imposed by a baby sitter, sister of a friend, older sister/relative, aunt, teacher, boss or any other female in a position of power. Being sexually used and/or abused, whether by a female or male, can cause emotional and psychological problems.
Myth 6: I/He asked for it
Fact: It is within your rights to say "NO" at any time even in the middle of penetrative sex.
Sexual assault is a sexual act perpetrated without CONSENT. Agreement to an intimate sexual encounter does not mean you are agreeing to any and everything.
Fact: It is within your rights to say "NO" at any time even in the middle of penetrative sex.
Sexual assault is a sexual act perpetrated without CONSENT. Agreement to an intimate sexual encounter does not mean you are agreeing to any and everything.
Myth 7: Men who are sexually abused/assaulted are damaged and scarred for life
Fact: Men can and do survive sexual abuse/assault, physically and emotionally, and go on to live full lives, enjoying rewarding relationships as friends, partners and/or parents.
Sexual abuse/assault has a profound impact on men, however, they can and do find ways through by seeking help and understanding that they can survive.
Fact: Men can and do survive sexual abuse/assault, physically and emotionally, and go on to live full lives, enjoying rewarding relationships as friends, partners and/or parents.
Sexual abuse/assault has a profound impact on men, however, they can and do find ways through by seeking help and understanding that they can survive.