Are Male Sexual Assault crimes still under reported? If so why?

CMDCM Gene Treants — Thu, 01 May 2014 11:25:55 -0400

Ap has recently reported that Sexual Assault is up 50% in the military, yet male sexual assault is still under reported. They say this is primarily due to the stereotype that if you are assaulted you must be gay. Is this really true in today's military?

Is Sexual assault still being under reported across the board or are we getting closer to the true numbers? Are there any factors in the news or the world that have impacted the reporting of this crime in today's military?

Response by SGT Ben Keen made May 1 at 2014 11:27 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Thu, 01 May 2014 11:27:15 -0400

Yes they are. It's hard enough for females to come forward and report but because of the idea of "being tough" a lot of guys don't want to be labeled and therefore don't come forward.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2014 11:28 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 May 2014 11:28:41 -0400

I'm sure they are under reported because of the stigma attached to it. All the SHARP training we go through is increasing the number of reports but until we can remove the stigma we will never know the true numbers.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made May 1 at 2014 11:38 AM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Thu, 01 May 2014 11:38:56 -0400

I feel that it might be related to all the years of females not coming forward. Stigmatisms and shame would stop many people from ever mentioning it, let alone pursuing retifying it.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made May 1 at 2014 12:14 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Thu, 01 May 2014 12:14:29 -0400

I believe that sexual assault is still being under reported in the military, as well as in the general population. I also believe that the military is getting closer to the actual numbers but I would guess that there is a higher percentage of male sexual assault crimes unreported. It has taken, quite literally, years if not decades to begin to break down the barriers and stigma associated with this crime on females. Based on this timeline, sexual assault against males is almost an 'afterthought'. Much work remains to be done.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2014 6:29 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 May 2014 18:29:18 -0400

This is kind of like a feeding frenzy and the media is eating this up. This is a serious issue but it is no more prevalent in the services than the civilian sector.

And what about fire department, police, hospitals, etc.

The underbelly of this kind of sin, sickness is NOT exclusive and until we educated early and that kind of thing is that we will continue to be obsessed with sex and scandal.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made May 1 at 2014 8:58 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Thu, 01 May 2014 20:58:18 -0400

Not to detract from the original question or my previous post, but there MAY very well be a positive side (not just 'spin') to this report. Reports are up 50%. Of course the media will play this up in a negative sense... BUT, I would HOPE that the increase in reports is at least partially as a result of better training and education and breaking down of barriers, reducing of stigmas attached to sexual assault, etc. I really want to believe that a large number of these assaults are older cases previously unreported and I truly hope I'm correct. As I posted earlier, it has taken WAY too long to begin changing the 'culture' to the point where a female victim would feel 'somewhat' comfortable to come forward to report an assault. As for assaults on male service members.. I don't think DoD has even begun to scratch the surface.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2016 2:20 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 02:20:16 -0400

Yes male sexual assaults are under reported more than for females. Males are often times sexually assaulted as part of hazing by other males. This makes them question their own sexuality and males do not want to be called victims. I suggest the term "Target" instead of "Victim". Also, just getting a conversation started about how this happens to other men and to make it clear it is never their fault for others criminal behaviors. Homeless Veterans have a high incidence of Military Sexual Trauma - especially male homeless Veterans. Military bullying and military sexual assault are strong risk factors for suicidal ideations and suicide. Very sad all of it. The military and the VA need Recovery Programs for Targets that includes Healing Companion Workshops and Retreats.