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KEY TO KNOW in war and conflict , recognised that men and boys are subject to sexual violence and encouraged UN member states to protect and support male survivors and challenge cultural notions that men and boys cannot be exposed to it . 18 Several countries have also made commitments ; in Norway , for example , abuse of boys and men has been included in the government ’ s national action plan . 19
Sexual violence against men and boys in armed conflicts and other unstable situations can take many forms . Some boys and men are sexually abused by other men , older boys or women because they are in situations where they cannot easily escape or protect themselves ( being migrants , prisoners , in care , or in an asylum centre , for example ). Some are forced to perform sexual acts against their will due to imbalances of power , threats of violence , or in exchange for money , food , security , protection , or assistance with escape and asylum . Others are sexually abused and humiliated in the course of torture or punishment . Many are exposed to sexual violence in the course of being trafficked , which is considered a serious international crime , or cannot defend themselves because of their vulnerable or isolated situation or because they or their families are threatened with reprisals if they do not
“ Confronting and addressing this crime is complicated by male stereotypes that assume a man should be able to defend himself and that it is ‘ unmanly ’ to be sexually overpowered or humiliated . These ideas help to explain why sexual violence against men and boys has often not been taken seriously , and why male survivors of sexual abuse are stigmatised .” cooperate . Some groups of men , notably those who are LGBTQI +, are also particularly likely to experience sexual violence .
Confronting and addressing this crime is complicated by male stereotypes that assume a man should be able to defend himself and that it is ‘ unmanly ’ to be sexually overpowered or humiliated . These ideas help to explain why sexual violence against men and boys has often not been taken seriously , and why male survivors of sexual abuse are stigmatised . The survivors themselves often feel extreme guilt and shame , which causes many to refrain from reporting their sexual abuse or ask for help . As a result , sexual crimes committed in places of detention , during migration , or by combatants , are consistently under-reported and often invisible . In many societies , it is taboo for men to talk openly about their torture , and especially sexual torture and humiliation . This makes the topic particularly difficult to address , and painful to discuss . 20
Sexual violence often induces severe psychological trauma . Survivors may feel physical pain , fear , shame , loneliness , and isolation . Their self-esteem may collapse . These effects can destroy families , and more broadly weaken social networks and community relations . Sexual abuse of men and boys has consequences that are as harmful as the sexual abuse of women . In this context , it is important to recall that all forms of sexual abuse violate human rights .
To complicate matters further , many aid organisations and programmes offer help only to women , or do not train their staff to deal with abuse of males . As a result , they do not meet men who have been abused or tend to ignore their claims , so most do not receive the help they need . In many countries , furthermore , the law prohibits abuse of women , but does not mention or protect male victims and survivors . In consequence , those who abuse men and boys are less often prosecuted . This is a serious issue that we will return to in section 3.8 ( on reporting violations to the authorities ).
REFLECTION QUESTION
Questions to reflect on
• How might the circumstances in which sexual abuse occurs affect a survivor ’ s trauma reactions ?
• What kinds of trauma reaction have you observed ?