Male Victims’ Acknowledgement of Sexual Assault and Their Help-Seeking Process. A Qualitative Study

Abstract

An increasing number of studies have investigated the distinct challenges faced by male victims of sexual assault. However, there is a lack of research focusing on how they perceive their sexual victimization experience and their help-seeking behavior. This qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences of cisgender men who had been sexually assaulted in adulthood and their subsequent help-seeking processes within a Danish context. Our findings underscore the crucial importance of acknowledging the sexual assault, which entails a multifaceted process that intertwines with the help-seeking behavior. This process is influenced by various factors, including gender norms, disclosing the assault, and the impact of assault-related symptoms. The role of male rape myths and masculinity is discussed. Our research offers valuable insights into male victims’ experiences and emphasizes the need to raise awareness and to promote a gender-inclusive view on sexual assault.