A study on the psychology and support for a male sex crime victim

Abstract

Among sex crime victims, male victims have not received the same degree of recognition. This study examines the support a male sex crime victim received until the end of the trial. Firstly, psychological reactions often seen in female victims, such as intrusive memories, avoidance, and hypervigilance were observed. The victim’s psychological response was characterized by the worry about being perceived as gay. Additionally, as the perpetrator was an acquaintance, his relationship with other male acquaintances was undermined by the suspicion that he might also be assaulted by them. This suggested it may be more difficult for him to receive support due to his impaired relationship with men and social isolation. The trigger which allowed the male victim to face his trauma was anger against the perpetrator. The victim was able to express his emotion of anger in a legal and healthy manner in the form of a statement. After this, his relationships with other men and daily life recovered. This suggests that when providing support for male sex crime victim, it is necessary to both provide psychoeducation regarding male gender identity and help them think of ways to express their anger toward the perpetrator in a legal and healthy manner.