MALE RAGE: A CRY FOR HELP
The paucity of services for male CSA victims speaks volumes to the fact that men who were sexually abused or sexually assaulted as boys hardly ever get help.
It is unfortunate that men are still viewed as predators and perpetrators and not victims. Truth be told, most perpetrators were once victims.
Men who were sexually abused are less frequently seen in clinical settings and more seen in criminal settings. Inward anger becomes outward rage, private pain turns into public aggression.
However miniscule, there is a corelation between CSA among boys and juvenile and adult criminal behaviour.
Cultural stereotypes and biases make men less likely to report their abuse or assault. Historically, men have been discouraged from acknowledging vulnerability.
Men are socially conditioned, to hold back the tears, don’t cry, and minimize all emotional pain. Male rage is often a cry for help.
It is important to note that men:
- are highly underreported as CSA survivors
- are affected differently by their abuse
- do not disclose their abuse
- have less understanding of the abuse or assault
- have less treatment options
- have less success finding help and healing
- exhibit externalizing behaviors, aggression, acting-out
- have great difficulty coping and handling relationships
- also suffer from sexual adjustment and orientation issues
- as boys were abused by same sex predators
- say nothing for fear of being called gay or homosexual