What sexual abuse does to men

LIKE women, men are also likely to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and an array of emotions; yet, due to gender socialisation and upbringing, men find it a lot more difficult to come to terms with what they are facing.

Anyone who has been sexually assaulted will react in a certain way and experience lasting effects and shifting emotions.

The survivor will not necessarily experience all of the symptoms but is likely to show at least one or two.

Symptoms common to both male and female victims:

Anger, anxiety, sadness, confusion, fear, flashbacks, numbness, self-blame, guilt, helplessness, hopelessness, suicidal feelings, shame and sexual dysfunction

Some reactions affecting only men after a sexual assault include:

• Tend to show more aggression and hostility than fear and tearfulness;
• Very likely to begin questioning their sexual identity or orientation;
• Downplaying the severity of the experience, making it seem as if the sexual abuse had no importance or traumatic value; and
• Acting out or expressing emotion through sexual nuances or hints.

Some symptoms may differ between men and women as recognised above, but whether male or female, we are all human and we all feel hurt. This is real, and this is serious – but there is help and it can be treated.

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