Common
beliefs about rape
Within the community, there are many common but
mistaken beliefs about rape. It is important to recognise
and challenge these beliefs because they create a climate
in which men who have been raped are very reluctant to
speak about what has happened to them and so do not
receive the acceptance, understanding and support they
need.
The following examples of common but mistaken beliefs
about rape are accompanied by a brief outline of the
facts.
- A strong man can't be raped. He must have
consented.
In fact being strong is no defence against rape
and just because a man did not fight off his
attacker does not mean he consented. Surprise, a
weapon, threats, being outnumbered or frozen by
fear, make fighting back impossible for most
victims. Any man can be raped when his attacker,
for whatever reason, has more power.
- Men are the perpetrators of sexual assault not
the victims
Although most perpetrators of sexual violence are
men, men can also be victims.
- Only gay men are raped
Both heterosexual and homosexual men are raped
and statistics show that victims are more likely
to be straight than gay. Sexual preference is not
generally relevant, except perhaps where the
victim is the target of an attack motivated by
homophobia.
- Only gay men rape other men
Both heterosexual and homosexual men rape other
men. Those who commit sexual assault are
motivated by the desire for power over others and
so sexual preference is not particularly relevant
to them.
- Men do not usually know their assailant
Although men are sometimes sexually assaulted by
strangers, it is more common for them to know
their attacker. Sexual Assault Services see men
who have been raped by strangers, acquaintances,
family members, teachers, colleagues, youth
leaders, and others.
- If it's someone you know, it's not rape
Your rights over your body are the same whoever
is involved. If the attacker is someone you know
and trust, the abuse is in many ways worse.
The above information was taken from: Men
and Rape: Information for Men about Sexual Assault. A
pamphlet produced by the NSW Health Education Centre
Against Violence. Parramatta, NSW.
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Rape can happen to anyone, anywhere, at anytime. Although
few men expect to be raped it happens more than most
realise.
Survivors of male sexual assault are not alone
Contact SAMSSA at:
Unit 2
114 Maitland Street
Hackett ACT 2602
Phone: 02 6262 7377
Mobile: 0411 847 108
Fax: 02 6262 7388
Monday - Friday 0900 - 1700
Or in an emergency our 24HR Hotline 02 6247 2525
or
Email SAMSSA at:
samssa@effect.net.au
This page was last updated on 18 April
2005
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