A Comparative Study of Male and Female Rape Victims Seen at a Hospital-Based Rape Crisis Program

Abstract

The purposes of this study were to gather descriptive information on male rape victims and to compare male and female victims in regard to victim and assault characteristics and immediate postrape symptoms. Data were analyzed from 74 male and 1,380 female rape victims seen at a hospital-based rape crisis program over an 8-year period. Male and female victims were similar in terms of age, race, and prior victimization, although characteristics of male and female assaults differed somewhat. Specifically, male victims were more likely to have been raped by more than one assailant and by a Caucasian assailant, and were less likely to have been physically harmed. Male victims also were rated as more depressed and hostile immediately postrape than female victims. Implications for research and practice are discussed.