The Centers for Disease Control report that 1 in 9 American men experience sexual harassment in a public space. Sexual harassment and sexual assault can happen to anyone regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. However, research shows that men—whether civilian or military—are less likely to report sexual assault or harassment, to identify experiences they have had as abusive, and to seek formal treatment for such harms.
Men may not feel they can come forward if they have experienced sexual harassment or sexual assault, often because of attitudes and stereotypes surrounding masculinity. These societal perceptions and pressures can lead to complex trauma and may discourage them from seeking help or speaking out.
How sexual violence affects men’s health
Men can have various responses to sexual trauma. Research suggests that men may be more prone to expressing anger and hostility as well as withdrawing from social interactions when compared to women. In another study from the National Institutes of Health, men were shown to use a “controlled” coping style, characterized by passive reactions and acceptance or minimization of their sexual assault experience, possibly reflecting societal pressure for men to remain “emotionless” in difficult situations.
This coping strategy may hinder men from seeking help and delays the process of acknowledging sexual harassment and sexual assault potentially leading to long-term challenges.
The following list includes some emotional and behavioral responses shared by those who have been impacted by harassment and sexual assault. This is not a complete list, but it may help to understand that these are common responses for those who experience trauma:
Difficulty managing emotional responses like anger, anxiety, and depression.
Avoiding people or places that trigger memories of sexual assault or abuse.
Fears that sexual assault determines sexual orientation.
Feeling on edge, watchful, being unable to relax, and having difficulty sleeping.
Sense of blame or shame over not being able to stop the sexual assault or harassment.
Withdrawal from meaningful relationships such as friendships, intimate relationships and family.
Increased engagement in dangerous behaviors such as fights, high risk sexual activity and reckless driving.
Uncharacteristic changes in a person’s sexual activity when compared to their usual behavioral patterns, such as sudden increase or avoidance of sexual activity
Substance use disorders.
Perceived barriers to reporting and accessing care
Research has shown men are more likely to encounter reporting barriers related to their sexuality. For instance, men who have not publicly acknowledged their sexuality may not report sexual assault or harassment for fear of having to come out. In addition, heterosexual men who were sexually assaulted by other men might not come forward for fear of having their sexual orientation questioned.
Men who have experienced sexual assault or harassment may also feel invalidated because of societal norms that lead others to minimize or dismiss their experiences.
As a result, many male Veterans still face barriers when accessing mental health care. Evidence suggests that barriers to reporting and help-seeking, for both Veterans and active duty service members, include the desire to maintain one’s privacy and a lack of confidence in the confidentiality of medical, mental health or other services. A fear of being perceived as weak or concerned about career repercussions were also cited as barriers.
“Male Veterans may struggle with feelings of self-blame and shame, wondering if they could have prevented the incident or if they are somehow less of a man because of it,” said Jamal Fletcher, VA’s Assault and Harassment Prevention Office. “To any man who may be struggling right now, you are not less of a man or less of a Veteran because of what happened to you. Sexual harassment and sexual assault were never your fault.”
Talking about what happened
VA has resources to support Veterans who have experienced sexual assault or harassment at any point in their lives, regardless of sexual identity or orientation. Explore the resources and learn which might work best for you.
If you are a Veteran who experienced or witnessed sexual assault or harassment at a VA facility, please tell someone you trust at a VA location. For example, tell the VA Police, a Patient Advocate, or your health care provider. If you have left the facility, call 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411) and select option 9. The call center is staffed to answer reports of this nature all day every day.
