Sexual asssault affects all

Years have passed by and the crisis of sexual assault continues to terrify thousands of human beings across the globe. Victim shaming takes place almost all around the world. It is the worst way to go about dealing with sexual assault.

The aftermath of such abuse could be deadly, causing depression, fear and even physical distress. People can feel compelled to contemplate self-harm. In the past, society has formed stereotypes assuming that women are the only ones who are susceptible to sexual assault and rape, as people label them the ones who are more sensitive and submissive in society. In reality, male-related sexual abuse is prominent too and it is not usually spoken about.

America’s Cable News Network (CNN) stated that one out of every ten male youth has faced sexual assault. Moreover, it has also been reported that men find it more difficult to define what happened to them as assault. A documentary by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) also reported that one out of every six men is raped. Only 10 per cent of the cases are reported to the authorities.

Just like women, men are also sensitive, they also have feelings, and more importantly, they are also human beings. They get buried under the same shame and victim-blaming. Another reason for male victims to hide their fears is due to society’s reaction and assumption of their sexuality. We should educate our youth and adults about sexual assault.

The reader is a student based in the US.