Abuse and Men - It IS an issue.

New faces of abuse victims.

We are all aware that abuse happens. What do you think when someone is abused? Do you want to step back and just say "I'm sorry", and walk away from the situation? Maybe we picture the teenage girl that is still getting the strap. Or the meek housewife who doesn't speak up for her self. Or it's the obstinate toddler or preschooler that won't listen to the parents. What if it were said that teenage boys and adult men are also victims of abuse, including domestic violence and rape?

According to several sources, 1 in 6 boys will be sexually assaulted by the time he is 18. If in college, it could be even higher. Of course, if a man is incarcerated, especially for a white collar crime, depending on how he is viewed, it can be higher yet. There are many misconceptions about men and being abused.

The fact that because most perpetrators are men, that only gays are either perpetrators or victims. If the boy/man experiences an erection, he may be viewed as enjoying the experience. If the victim was assaulted by a man, he may question his own sexuality, and fear exposing the perpetrator, because others may view him as a "fag" or a "queer". In any instance, these are part of the many myths that surround male abuse. Just remember, rape is not about sex, but about power and control.

Because sex is the abusive tool, just as a belt may be used to physically abuse, being gay has little or nothing to do with the abuse. Also remember that often when the prostate is stimulated, even in pain, that can cause an unwanted erection, so it means nothing about the enjoyment of it when it's happening in an abusive situation. So many don't want to be ostracized, and gay men are still very much discriminated against.

Even if one is not homophobic, after an intimidating sex assault, the last thing a guy needs is to be labeled as being gay. The Surviving Spirit is a place where abuse survivors, especially man, can go for support, inspiration and more. I hope that people will take advantage of this.

 The federal government has even included men in the definition of rape, so that forcible sex through oral and anal openings are now being recognized as being part of the crime committed against them. I think this is great. Now men will have recourse, hopefully, and with the petition in memory of Baby Sean, called Sean's Voice: A New Perspective, hopefully there will be a push to educate the public, create safe havens such as support groups, emergency shelter, and other services to help ensure that this will come to fruition.

Baby Sean is a precious baby who has earned his wings. He died from constant abuse at the hands of his mother, Lord knows why. She would physically abuse him in ways that would make many of us physically ill, and the story is NOT for the faint of heart. For his preciousness, the Youth Voice Initiative dedicates this petition. May his death not be in vain.  

Links for info & petition.
Surviving Spirit Sexual Abuse of Males: Statistics, Possible effects

Federal Crime Statistics to Expand Rape

Sean's Voice Petition

Youth Voice Initiative