全球智库信息集成服务系统

Review of Published Research

• Researchers recently estimated that 1.7 percent of civilian men have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime. Research estimates suggest that 2.2 percent of U.S. active-duty men have experienced a sexual assault in their lifetime, and 1.8 percent have experienced a sexual assault since joining the military.
• Many male sexual assault victims experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, nightmares, flashbacks, self-blame, low self-esteem, or problems with anger control following the assault.
• Estimates suggest that only 15 percent of military male sexual assault victims file a report, which appears to be consistent with levels of civilian reporting.

Interviews with Military Service Providers and Civilian Experts

• Interviewees emphasized the mental health care needs of sexual assault victims. Several service providers believed that additional male-specific mental health services are needed in the military system.
• Most service providers believed that individuals in their profession were either somewhat informed or well informed about sexual assault against men in the military. However, few chaplains believed that those in the chaplaincy were prepared to assist male victims.
• Interviewees discussed multiple barriers to reporting among male sexual assault victims. For example, some male victims do not classify what happened to them as a "sexual assault." Other barriers included shame and embarrassment, a belief that nothing would be done, concerns regarding privacy, and concerns regarding harm to a military unit.
• Some service providers indicated that servicemembers maintain beliefs in false rape myths regarding male sexual assault, even after receiving sexual assault prevention training.