There is no prescribed way of how people are affected by sexual abuse or sexual assault; everyone is different. However, we do know sexual violence can have profound effects on men’s lives. Below is a list of some common problematic responses which are associated with an experience of sexual violence, including childhood sexual abuse or sexual assault. These have been identified through research, and through talking directly with men.
- Use of alcohol or other drugs.
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviour.
- Flashbacks and invasive thoughts.
- Nightmares and insomnia.
- Anger.
- Anxiety and fear.
- Depression.
- Mood swings.
- Mental health difficulties.
- Self blame.
- Difficult feelings of guilt, shame or humiliation.
- Numbness.
- Sense of loss, grief.
- Helplessness, isolation and alienation.
- Low self–esteem, self doubt, diminished self belief.
- Difficulties with relationships and intimacy.
- Problems related to masculinity and gender identity.
- Questions and difficulties related to sexuality. [1]
The above list is by no means exhaustive; some men face additional difficulties that do not appear on this list. The degree to which these problems appear and the impact they have differs considerably amongst men.