Myth Vs. Reality

Let's take a look at some mistaken beliefs about male sexual assault and uncover the realities behind the myths...

Myth: Men can't be sexually violated.

Reality: Men are sexually violated. Any man or boy can be sexually assaulted regardless of size, strength, appearance or sexual orientation.

Myth: Only gay men and boys are sexually violated.

Reality: Heterosexual, gay and bisexual males are equally likely to be sexually violated. Being sexually violated has nothing to do with your current or future sexual orientation. Your sexuality has no more to do with being violated than being robbed.

Myth: Only gay men sexually assault other men.

Reality: Most men who sexually assault other men identify themselves as heterosexual. This fact helps to highlight another reality -- that sexual assault is about violence, anger, power and control over another person, not lust, desire or sexual attraction.

Myth: Men cannot be sexually violated by women.

Reality: Although the majority of perpetrators are male, men can also be sexually violated (though not legally raped) by women.

Myth: Erection or ejaculation during a sexual violation means you "really wanted it" or consented to it.

Reality: Erection and ejaculation are physiological responses that may result from mere physical contact or even extreme stress. These responses do not imply that you wanted or enjoyed the assault and do not indicate anything about your sexual orientation. Some abusers and rapists are aware how erection and ejaculation can confuse a victim of sexual assault -- this motivates them to manipulate their victims to the point of erection or ejaculation to increase their feelings of control and to discourage people from telling their story.