Male Rape, Stereotypes, and Unmet Needs: Hindering Recovery, Perpetuating Silence

Abstract

Abstract This article seeks to explore hegemonic masculinity and its influence on male victims of rape, particularly when seeking support from voluntary services, such as Victim Support, that are designed to deal with both male and female victims of rape and other victims of crime. The article argues that voluntary services do not meet male rape victims' needs when these victims do build up the courage to seek support. The linking thread among the themes presented in this article is the theoretical framework of hegemonic masculinity, which will be the theoretical foundation used to elucidate the conception of male rape and the responses to it. Throughout the critical exploration of these themes, the article questions service provisions that handle male victims of rape. It also argues that voluntary services are inappropriately trained to deal with male rape victims because of stereotypes and misconceptions relating to male rape, which inhibit a complete understanding of this phenomenon. The illustrations ...