Introduction

Rape is any type of sexual assault that involves sexual intercourse or any other sexual act done to a person without their consent. There are different types and forms of rape.  When an issue is raised, most often, it is women that come into our mind forgetting that men do undergo the same. Men do fall victim to rape and sexual assault.

Stigmatization pertaining to men’s sexual rights?

There is a stigma surrounding men who are raped and sexually assaulted. Sociocultural norms have taught most men not to identify themselves as victims. In society, men are taught to suppress their emotions, avoid vulnerability, and never seek help or speak up. They are expected to care for their businesses by themselves because they are “men.” Victimization is seen as a feminine trait, which creates confusion for men. Also, men are socialized to be beings who are always seeking sex; therefore, being vulnerable or speaking up about rape as a man can be difficult or degrading.

The Stigma Surrounding Male Vulnerability in Sexual Assault and Its Consequences.

Associating vulnerability with femininity has caused problems for men seeking help or speaking up about their sexual rights because it is seen as a sign of weakness. Consequently, most men choose to remain silent about their rape and sexual assault experiences. In other cases, some men cannot tell whether experiencing rape and sexual assault by a woman is appropriate or inappropriate, and in cases where it is by a man, it can be degrading and make them question their masculinity or even their sexuality.

Breaking the Silence: Men Speak Up About Sexual Assault and Rape.

Statistics of men being raped and sexually assaulted show that approximately 91% of rape and sexual assault victims are women, and 9% are men. 99% of perpetrators are men. Although there is a slight improvement in sociocultural norms, and there is a consistent swift change in stereotypes and gender norms, society is still highly patriarchal and misogynistic. However, some men are finding their voices and being vocal about being victims of sexual assault and rape.

Conclusion

Rape and sexual assault are serious issues affecting both men and women. However, societal norms have made it difficult for men to come forward and speak up about their experiences, perpetuating the stigma surrounding men’s sexual rights. Creating safe spaces for men to speak up and seek help without judgment or stigmatization is important. Society should also work towards dismantling patriarchal and misogynistic norms that reinforce harmful gender stereotypes and promote a culture of silence around sexual violence.