November 18 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Men<\/p>\n
Let’s begin with a tough truth: Boys and men experience sexual violence, too.<\/b><\/p>\n
One in seven boys<\/span><\/a> worldwide experience sexual violence as a child.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This conversation remains shrouded in stigma. From early on, we learn that this topic is too uncomfortable to discuss, but that isn’t true. For years, I have worked with male survivors, elected officials, and community leaders around the world to address this hidden crisis. We talk about these truths openly and without shame.<\/span><\/p>\n If I can do it, so can you.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n It is time to confront the reality of male victimization and the impact it has on all of us. It is time to break the stigma and shed the shame. Our boys and men need it. Our girls and women do, too.<\/span><\/p>\n While women and girls experience higher rates of abuse and deserve focused attention, it’s important to acknowledge that people of all genders can be victims. In particular, boys and men often face stigma when they speak out, and without inclusive approaches, their experiences \u2013 along with others who fall outside the dominant narrative \u2013 can be unintentionally sidelined.<\/span><\/p>\n The effects of trauma extend far beyond childhood. Survivors of childhood sexual violence face <\/span>heightened health risks<\/span><\/a>, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, and <\/span>suicidal ideation<\/span><\/a>. Conservative estimates indicate at least a <\/span>35 percent increase in risk of self-harm<\/span><\/a> for survivors.<\/span><\/p>\n This trauma may also lead to conduct disorders, such as academic or career challenges or inconsistency. More than <\/span>50 percent of incarcerated men report experiencing sexual violence as children<\/span><\/a> (Note: the vast majority of male survivors <\/span>do not become perpetrators themselves<\/span><\/a>. Trauma affects individuals differently, and this statistic is intended to highlight that trauma can lead to risky behavior).<\/span><\/p>\n Ignoring this issue costs everyone. A study from Johns Hopkins found the economic toll of child sexual abuse in the United States was at least <\/span>$9.3 billion in 2015<\/span><\/a>, a conservative estimate. In 2022, the cost of incarcerating individuals convicted of child sex crimes <\/span>topped $5.4 billion<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n More than one in five men never disclose their experience to anyone, including their own family members. Studies indicate that <\/span>those who do disclose often wait until their 50s<\/span><\/a> to do so.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Rigid ideas of masculinity<\/span><\/a> discourage vulnerability and emotional expression. Many boys and men internalize harmful beliefs that acknowledging their trauma may be viewed as a sign of weakness or shame. Equimundo\u2019s <\/span>Estado de los hombres estadounidenses<\/span><\/a> 2025 report found 57 percent of survey respondents (men and women) feel like \u201cno one cares if men are okay.\u201d If the cultural zeitgeist is ambivalent at best, it should be unsurprising that male survivors so rarely disclose.<\/span><\/p>\n To complicate matters, our national network of institutions are not positioned to adequately support survivors of sexual violence. In this broken ecosystem, men and boys are often excluded. Those that receive support may experience bias or ill-adapted support that does not recognize their unique challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n Male survivors become trapped in a painful paradox. Burying their trauma feels necessary to maintain masculine ideals, and yet this very suppression <\/span>prolongs emotional suffering<\/span><\/a> and sense of isolation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n We must create safer spaces where all survivors \u2013 regardless of gender \u2013 can openly share without fear of judgment. Vulnerability must be viewed as a sign of strength.<\/span><\/p>\n There are reasonable worries that shedding light on male victimization diverts attention from violence against women and girls. Fortunately, this is far from true.<\/span><\/p>\n Addressing sexual violence against boys and men strengthens efforts to combat all forms of abuse. Healing for male survivors dismantles patriarchal norms that perpetuate harm across all genders, helping redefine masculinity to include empathy and emotional courage. Providing support to male survivors reduces the likelihood of intergenerational harm and fosters healthier relationships and communities.<\/span><\/p>\n When male survivors receive the tools to heal, we all benefit.<\/span><\/p>\n Addressing sexual violence against boys and men requires a multi-faceted approach. YOU can make an impact in your own community through actions big and small:<\/span><\/p>\n Raise Awareness<\/b> \u2013 Encourage open conversations in your schools, workplaces, and communities about male victimization. There is plenty of accessible research and resources from groups such as <\/span>1in6<\/span><\/a>, el <\/span>American Institute <\/span>para<\/span> Boys and Men<\/span><\/a>, y <\/span>Equimundo<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Implement Trauma-Informed and Gender-Specific Care<\/b> \u2013 Join or conduct trainings for professionals such as teachers, healthcare providers, and law enforcement. Utilize programs such as the Darkness to Light\u2019s <\/span>Stewards of Children<\/span><\/a> curriculum to better understand trauma-sensitive approaches for supporting male survivors.<\/span><\/p>\nThe Hidden Crisis<\/b><\/h2>\n
Breaking Through the Silence<\/b><\/h2>\n
Addressing Male Victimization Benefits Us All<\/b><\/h2>\n
Taking Action Together<\/b><\/h2>\n