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Why
Sexual Assault is a Men's Issue
MEN
RAPE
Males commit the great majority of all sexually violent crimes. Even when
men are sexually victimized, other men are most
often the perpetrators.
MEN ARE RAPED
We don’t like to think about it, and we don’t like to talk
about it, but the fact is that men are also sexually assaulted. Studies
show
that a staggering 10-20% of all males are sexually violated at some point
in their lives. Men are not immune to the epidemic
of sexual violence, nor are male survivors safe from the stigma
that society attaches to victims of rape. Male survivors are often disbelieved,
called gay, and blamed for their own victimization
when they report being assaulted. Frequently, they respond, as do
many female survivors, by remaining silent and suffering alone.
RAPE CONFINES MEN
When some men rape, and when 80% of those who are raped know the man who
attacked them, it becomes virtually impossible to distinguish men who
are safe from men who are dangerous, men who can be trusted from men who
can’t, men who will rape from men who won’t. The result is
a society with its guard up, where relationships with men are approached
with fear and
mistrust, where intimacy is limited by the constant threat of
violence, and where all men are labeled "potential rapists."
MEN KNOW SURVIVORS
At some point in every man’s life, someone close to him will likely
disclose that they are a survivor of sexual violence and ask for help.
Men must be prepared to respond with care, sensitivity,
compassion, and understanding. Ignorance on the part of men
about rape and its impact can only hinder the healing process and
may even contribute to the survivor's feeling further victimized. A supportive
male presence during a survivor’s recovery, however,
can be invaluable.
MEN CAN STOP RAPE!
Rape is a choice men make to use sex as a weapon for power and control.
For rape to stop, men who are violent must be empowered to make different
choices.All men can play a vital role in this process by challenging rape-supporting
attitudes and
behaviors and raising awareness about the damaging impact of
sexual violence. Every time a man’s voice joins those of women in
speaking out against rape, the world becomes safer for us all.
P.O. BOX 57144
WASHINGTON, DC
20037
(202) 265-6530
info@mencanstoprape.org
www.mencanstoprape.org
© 1998, 2001, Men Can Stop Rape
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