What is it about?

This study explores how men who were sexually assaulted as adults (18+) recover, highlighting barriers, identity struggles, and the role of social support. Survivors face stigma, self-blame, and a loss of masculinity, making recovery difficult. Their sense of adult identity, including the expectation to be strong and self-reliant, adds another layer of challenge but also plays a key role in shaping their healing process. Support from loved ones is crucial, but therapy must adapt by using practical approaches to better meet their needs.

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Why is it important?

This research is important because it helps us understand how men who were sexually assaulted as adults can heal and move forward. Most studies focus on children who were abused, but adult survivors face different challenges. Society often expects men to be strong, independent, and in control, which can make it harder for them to talk about what happened or ask for help. This can lead to feelings of shame, isolation, and self-blame, making recovery more difficult. By learning from both survivors and therapists, this study shows that men can recover—but they need the right kind of support. It highlights that rebuilding a sense of masculinity and maturity in a positive way, along with help from close friends and family, can make a big difference.

Perspectives

I hope this research makes a difference. During my interviews with survivors, I could feel how deeply they had been overlooked—how their experiences as adult survivors were often dismissed or ignored. Many of them felt invisible, as if their struggles didn’t fit the narrative of sexual violence. Writing this article gave me a strong sense of purpose. It pushed me to focus on a population that is too often forgotten, to truly listen to their stories, and to analyze their experiences with care and respect. I hope this study not only highlights their challenges but also offers real paths to healing. More than anything, I want it to contribute to greater awareness and better support for male survivors—because their voices matter.

Michal Guter

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Recovery capital among male adult sexual assault survivors: Perspectives of survivors and therapists., Psychology of Men & Masculinity, February 2025, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/men0000517.
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