WHAT IS MALE SEXUAL ABUSE?
The type of behavior that constitutes sexual abuse is the same for males and females. It includes any sexual contact or sexual attention committed by force, threats, bribes, manipulation, pressure, tricks, or violence. Sexual abuse can take many forms including child molestation, rape, attempted rape, incest, and sexual harassment. Abusers of young males are often family members, but like abusers of adult males they can be strangers, acquaintances, friends, or others. ABOUT MALE SURVIVORS In our society, males have traditionally been portrayed as always strong, invulnerable, unemotional, and in control. As a result, many view males as incapable of being victimized, particularly in a sexual way. Yet males of all ages, sizes, strengths, looks, personalities, and sexual orientations are victims of sexual violence. In fact, research indicates that 1 in 7 boys are sexually abused by their 18th birthday and still more are victimized in adulthood. Males, like females, experience lasting effec
