How Common Is It for a Man to Be Sexually Assaulted?
Did you know that when you take into account statistics from prison as well as from the free world, more men than women are sexually assaulted in the United States? Just how common is it for men to be assaulted? The numbers are higher than you might think.
Taking in the Prison Numbers
The Daily Mail reported shocking numbers in 2013 that showed 4% of prisoners were sexually assaulted in 2011. When these numbers are included, the number of men being assaulted far outweighs the number of females.
The Department of Justice is tackling the abuse and rape happening in prison, but what about outside? What are the figures like for those not behind bars?
Child and Teen Abuse Victims
When it comes to children and adults, there are around 1.8 million adolescent abuse victims in total, with 18% of juvenile victims being male. The CDC goes on to state that one out of six boys are sexually abused before they are 18 but doesn't go into the overall assault figures. However, 28% of male rape victims are usually 10 or younger the first time that it happens.
Male Rape in America
Another study shows that 38% of rape and sexual violence incidents are against men. Many of these incidents aren't reported to the police for reasons such as shame and embarrassment. However, the study does have its flaws and doesn't indicate when or where the incidents happened. It is possible that men just out of prison were interviewed, for example. Regardless, this doesn't take away the shocking figures.
Assaults by Domestic Partners
While women seem more likely to be victims of domestic abuse, men can face the same fate. Various TV shows, especially soap operas, have touched on the storylines but haven't brought to light just how many victims there are.
More than half a million men were victims of minor domestic abuse in a 12-month period, according to one study. That was compared to less than half a million females. When severe abuse was included in the results, 40% of men made up the total. This is not likely due to the number of women being abused decreasing; rather, it is due to the fact that more men are reporting abuse.
If you are a man who has been assaulted or abused, know that you are not alone. Reach out to a lawyer and get the justice you deserve. Visit sites like http://www.jdlarsonlaw.com to find lawyers specializes in cases such as domestic violence near you.