SEXUAL ABUSE VICTIMS

The number one reason child sexual abuse victims don't tell is that they are afraid they won't be believed.





Why Children Don't Tell
Sexual abuse is shrouded in secrecy. Child and adolescent sexual abuse victims are encouraged to keep the abuse secret because:

Children fear reprisals from the offender.

Offenders tell the child that no one will believe them; and that even if someone does believe, the child will be blamed for the abuse.

Offenders openly threaten the safety of the child and/or members of the child's family.

Offenders tell the child the perpetrator will get into trouble if anyone discloses the sexual abuse. This is particularly fearsome for the child when the perpetrator is a family member, because the child fears abandonment.

Offenders promise gifts and rewards and offer bribes for the child to keep the secret. With young children, this can be candy, toys, trips to McDonald's. With youth, it can be videos, DVDs, rides in a car, sports tickets, sports equipment, clothes, makeup, jewellery, money, anything that is valued by the youth.


Male victims of sexual abuse constitute an extremely under-identified, under-served and frequently misunderstood population. Prevalence rates for males ranged from 3% - 29% (as cited in Barnett et al., 1997, p. 761).

Though sexual abuse is under-reported by both males and females, males are in a unique position. They are far less likely to disclose sexual abuse due to the issues identified in the table below.



Why Males Don't Disclose

A cultural bias maintains that males cannot be victims. Males are expected to be confident, knowledgeable, and aggressive. To be a victim means one is an inadequate male.

If the boy's body has responded sexually, he feels he is somehow responsible for the sexual abuse.

Male victims of sexual abuse struggle with issues of homosexuality as most offenders are male. Their homophobia plus their confusion and fear encourage silence. Not to mention the social stigma attached to homosexuality.

If a boy receives money for sex, he is less likely to be perceived as a victim.

If a boy has a homosexual orientation, he is often blamed for the "seduction" of the older male, instead of being acknowledged as a legitimate victim of sexual abuse.

Molestation by an older female is often viewed positively as a kind of "initiation rite" into manhood. Cultural pressure encourages participation while denying feelings.

Male victims of sexual abuse, more than female victims, may fear loss of freedom and independence if the sexual abuse should be made public.

Fear of reprisals from the offender plays a role in under-reporting.

When boys are victimized, they tend to be blamed more for their abuse and are viewed as less in need of care and support.

Boys fear negative judgment by family and friends.

Embarrassment and/or confusion prevent male victims of sexual abuse from disclosing.