Sexual trauma is, a phrase that generally conjures up a stereotypical image of a male perpetrator and female victim. In truth, however, an individual can experience sexual trauma regardless of their sex or gender. In fact, various sources estimate that as high as 1 in 6 men have a history of abusive sexual experiences that occurred before the age of 18. One particular study found that males were often assaulted by a stranger or an authority figure and were more likely to be assaulted by more than one perpetrator. Assaults were often drug-assisted and male victims were less likely to have experienced previous sexual abuse. A majority of these experiences are disclosed only in adulthood due to various barriers to disclosure. Masculine norms, negative stereotypes, feelings of shame and disgust are all contributing factors. In some cases, the experience is less likely to be labelled by the victim as assault if they responded in a manner that suggests sexual enjoyment. Confusion regarding sex of the perpetrator and bodily responses during the assault can leave the victim confused and afraid of being labelled a particular sexual orientation. These feelings can contribute significantly to delays in disclosure and the negative impact that sexual assault has on an individual’s psychological wellbeing. The reality is that, for the perpetrator, sexual abuse may not be about sexual orientation but power, domination, and control. Nor does arousal during the abuse suggest enjoyment or pleasure, but a natural physiological response to physical stimulation.
So why is disclosure so important? Childhood sexual abuse can impact an individual’s psychological and physical wellbeing all the way into adulthood. Neuroscientists are beginning to understand how, at the biological level, childhood sexual abuse leaves an impact on the developing brain and might in turn explain adverse outcomes in adulthood. Some of the long-term consequences of males having a history of childhood sexual abuse includes increased risk for mental illnesses like depression and substance use disorder, thatdisorder that are often related to higher rates of suicide ideation, attempt, and completion in these individuals. Not only that, but some scholars have proposed a victim-to-victimiser cycle in a select sample of adult sex offenders attending a specialist forensic psychotherapy centre. In other words, for some individuals male child sexual abuse might predict perpetration of sexual offences in adulthood. That being said, early identification and intervention with males who have a history of child sexual abuse can impart resilience and be protective for these individuals. But it all starts with disclosure. It’s important to recognize that even for males, childhood sexual abuse is a far too common occurrence and that those who have lived through this form of trauma are not alone.
In my next few posts we’ll explore topics such as the neurobiology of sexual trauma, sexual trauma and memory, how to support a disclosure of sexual assault, atypical sexual behaviour, sexual orientation and mental illness, as well as how certain treatments for mental illness can influence an individual’s motivation to engage in sexual behaviour. As a clinical neuroscientist, I’ll draw on current research from the fields of psychiatry and neuroscience to inform my view of these topics.