Sexual Assault Awareness: Understanding the Issue and Supporting Survivors
Sexual assault is a pervasive issue affecting individuals across all gender identities. While conversations about sexual violence often center on women, it is crucial to recognize that men and genderqueer adults also experience sexual assault at alarming rates. Despite its widespread impact, disparities in treatment and support services continue to exist. This blog explores the prevalence of sexual assault, the unique challenges faced by different groups, and the importance of equitable support systems.
The Prevalence of Sexual Assault
Sexual violence affects millions of people each year. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), approximately 1 in 3 women (Smith et al., 2018), 1 in 6 men (Turchik & Edwards, 2012), and nearly half of genderqueer adults (James et al., 2016) experience sexual violence in their lifetime. However, these numbers are likely underreported due to societal stigma and fear of retaliation.
Women and Sexual Violence
Women face the highest reported rates of sexual assault, with perpetrators often being intimate partners or acquaintances (Breiding et al., 2014). Factors such as victim-blaming, lack of belief from authorities, and cultural stigma contribute to the underreporting of these crimes (Herman, 2005). Additionally, marginalized women—such as women of color, disabled women, and LGBTQ+ women—face even greater barriers to justice and support (Crenshaw, 1991).
Men and Sexual Assault
While men are less likely to report sexual violence, research suggests that male survivors experience significant psychological distress, including PTSD and depression (Dworkin et al., 2017). Societal expectations of masculinity often discourage men from seeking help, leading to lower disclosure rates and fewer targeted support services (Javaid, 2018).
Genderqueer and Nonbinary Survivors
Genderqueer individuals experience some of the highest rates of sexual violence. According to the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey, 47% of genderqueer respondents reported being sexually assaulted (James et al., 2016). These individuals often face additional barriers, including discrimination from medical professionals, lack of inclusive services, and higher rates of homelessness and economic instability (Grant et al., 2011).
Disparities in Treatment and Support
Despite the widespread impact of sexual violence, disparities persist in how different groups receive support:
Women survivors may face skepticism from law enforcement, victim-blaming, and underfunded services, particularly for marginalized women (Herman, 2005).
Male survivors often struggle to find male-specific resources and may face disbelief or dismissal due to gender stereotypes (Turchik & Edwards, 2012).
Genderqueer survivors frequently encounter discrimination in healthcare settings and legal systems that do not recognize their gender identity, further discouraging them from reporting assaults (James et al., 2016).
How to Support Survivors
Supporting sexual assault survivors requires a comprehensive and intersectional approach. Some key ways to help include:
Believe Survivors – Validate their experiences and provide a nonjudgmental space for them to share.
Promote Consent Education – Support policies that emphasize consent-based education in schools and communities.
Advocate for Inclusive Support Services – Push for gender-inclusive shelters, counseling, and medical services.
Encourage Reporting Options – Help survivors understand their legal rights and reporting processes while respecting their autonomy.
Support Legislative Changes – Advocate for policies that enhance protections and funding for survivor support programs.
Resources for Survivors
For Women:
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) – www.rainn.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) – www.nsvrc.org
For Men:
1in6 (Support for Male Survivors) – www.1in6.org
Male Survivor Organization – www.malesurvivor.org
The Bristlecone Project – www.bristleconeproject.org
For Genderqueer and Nonbinary Adults:
FORGE (Trans and Nonbinary Survivor Support) – www.forge-forward.org
Trans Lifeline – 1-877-565-8860
National LGBTQ+ Help Center – www.glbthotline.org
References
Breiding, M. J., Smith, S. G., Basile, K. C., Walters, M. L., Chen, J., & Merrick, M. T. (2014). Prevalence and characteristics of sexual violence, stalking, and intimate partner violence victimization—National intimate partner and sexual violence survey. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 63(8), 1-18.
Crenshaw, K. (1991). Mapping the margins: Intersectionality, identity politics, and violence against women of color. Stanford Law Review, 43(6), 1241-1299.
Dworkin, E. R., Menon, S. V., Bystrynski, J., & Allen, N. E. (2017). Sexual assault victimization and psychopathology: A review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 56, 65-81.
Grant, J. M., Mottet, L. A., Tanis, J., Harrison, J., Herman, J. L., & Keisling, M. (2011). Injustice at every turn: A report of the national transgender discrimination survey. National Center for Transgender Equality.
Herman, J. L. (2005). Justice from the victim’s perspective. Violence Against Women, 11(5), 571-602.
James, S. E., Herman, J. L., Rankin, S., Keisling, M., Mottet, L., & Anafi, M. (2016). The report of the 2015 US transgender survey. National Center for Transgender Equality.
Javaid, A. (2018). Male rape, masculinities, and sexualities. Critical Criminology, 26(2), 187-204.
Smith, S. G., Zhang, X., Basile, K. C., Merrick, M. T., Wang, J., Kresnow, M. J., & Chen, J. (2018). The national intimate partner and sexual violence survey: 2015 data brief. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Turchik, J. A., & Edwards, K. M. (2012). Myths about male rape: A literature review. Psychology of Men & Masculinity, 13(2), 211-226.
