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| Sexual assault: Women aren’t
the only victims |
Jessica Hines
Copy Editor
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You drink too much
one night and pass out. As you’re trying to piece together
the events of that night, you faintly remember hooking up.
It’s the butt of many jokes in your circle of friends the next
day.
It’s your latest conquest, even if she wasn’t attractive.
It’s all in the name of fun, right?
But what if last night’s sexual encounter wasn’t consensual?
What if the encounter was not only without your consent but was
with another man?
No, it’s not some horror story from a former prison inmate.
According to North Carolina General Statutes, a sexual assault is
any sexual offense that is against a person’s will or with
force. Offenders could use force, violence or weapons, but it could
also include situations where victims are too intoxicated to give
consent.
Statistics on male sexual assault are rare because men are far less
likely to report them than women. Men may feel less masculine or
question themselves following a sexual assault. They may avoid talking
about it or reporting it to maintain their self-image.
Out of sight, out of mind right?
The U.S. Department of Justice’s National Crime Victimization
Survey (NCVS) suggested that in 1999 three out of every 1,000 women
were raped or sexually assaulted, compared to 0.4 of every 1,000
men.
With rising awareness of the sexual victimization of women, why
is it still taboo for men?
Some men believe they cannot be sexually assaulted. Getting an erection
or ejaculating means consent right? No.
According to the University of Texas at Austin’s counseling
center, “erection and ejaculation are physiological responses
that may result from mere physical contact or even extreme stress.”
Men can be sexually assaulted by women, but it is more likely that
they will be victimized by men.
Men are the perpetrators of approximately 86 percent of male victimization
cases, according to the National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder (NCPSD).
This does not mean the victim, or the perpetrator, is homosexual.
In fact, studies suggest most male assailants identify themselves
as heterosexual, and participate in heterosexual relationships regularly.
A large number of rapes and sexual assaults against women are acquaintance
or “date” rapes. The 1999 NCVS reports 72 percent of all
rapes or sexual assaults against women are perpetrated by “non-strangers,”
meaning intimate relations, relatives or acquaintances. The same
report found that 45 percent of similar crimes reported against
men were committed by “non-strangers,” with 32 percent
of the offenders reported to be friends or acquaintances.
Rape and sexual assaults against women are frighteningly common
and very damaging emotionally. The same crimes against men are no
less dangerous, but we never hear about them.
According to the NCPSD, men who are sexually assaulted often show
signs of emotional disorders, substance abuse and risk-taking behaviors.
It is not OK to be assaulted. It is not OK for anyone to take liberties
with a person against their will, regardless the gender of anyone
involved.
Being drunk is not an excuse. If someone hooks up with you merely
because they are drunk, it is not consensual.
As college students, we need to recognize that men can also be sexually
assaulted. Just as men are being educated on sex crimes against
women, we need to know that everyone should be held accountable
for their actions.
If you are the victim of a sexual assault, help is available at
the Counseling and Psychological Services Center located in the
Miles Annas Student Support Building, or by calling 262-3180. There
is also a toll-free National Sexual Assault Hotline at (800) 656-HOPE. |
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