Male rape is common but only one in 10 men report it
Although not many cases are reported, the rape of males is a more common crime than many may believe.
POLOKWANE – This topic was brought into the national spotlight when a 25-year-old man was drugged and raped by two women who then dropped him off in Tzaneen.
Read more: Young hitchhiker raped after being forced to drink an unknown substance
In recent months, similar reports have also been noted on women in Zimbabwe who have raped men making use of the same modus operandi and in addition to this, selling the semen for ‘good luck’.
Rape is in most instances viewed as a crime which only affects women, reason being that it gets more often in comparison the rape of men. This has a certain stigma and a negative connotation attached to it, causing the victim to keep quiet or to deny the victimisation unless they are physically injured and in need of medical attention.
Men are often scared to report these crimes as they fear people might doubt their sexuality or given the perception that such an occurence is less likely to happen.
Female-male rape is under-researched and statistics thereof are not readily available or reliable as men are less inclined to report rape. It is estimated that approximately one in 10 men report such abuse, and at most, the ratio may even be less.
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Stereotypes adds to this ratio as males are due to societal beliefs, able to protect themselves and need also to be aroused or ‘willing’ for a sexual act to take place.
According to an article published in the Journal of Clinical Forensic Medicine, stress, slight genital stimulation or traumatic experiences can cause erections. This doesn’t however indicate consent.
The article also adds that arousal and stimulation are quite distinct as men can be physically stimulated without feeling aroused and still have an erection. They can also be intimidated into getting one. The long term psychological effects of rape are for both male and female victims quite damaging.
Males tend to feel more intense anger as opposed to female victims and also experience a deeper distress. Males were also found to have more profound depression and hostility immediately after the incident.
They are also more prone to denial and controlling behaviour, which may lead to psychological problems. Symptoms and injuries may come forth as tension headaches, ulcers, nausea, colitis, abrasions of the throat, soft tissue injuries, lacerations, black eyes and broken bones.
According to local clinical psychologist, Zelda Buitendag, the long term effects of sexual abuse or rape on may include the intense pressure to prove his manhood in a physical or sexual manner through violent behaviour, suicide attempts, problems with intimacy or intimate relations, underachievement at school or work, confusion over gender or sexual identity, a sense of being an inadequate man, a sense of lost power, control and confidence, sexual problems, fear of becoming a homosexual and homophobia.
Buitendag urged victims to go for counselling or to visit a victim empowerment centre.
There are victim empowerment centres located at Donald Frazer Hospital and Tshilidzini Hospital and can be reached around the clock at (015) 963 6791 and (015) 964 23 10. Anyone in need of assistance can also contact (015) 963 1222 on Monday’s to Friday’s from 08:00 to 16:00.
