Child Sexual Abuse
Special concerns regarding male victims: When young boys are molested by males (and an overwhelming number of molesters are male) additional factors make it much more difficult for male victims to terminate and disclose the abuse. For instance, studies indicate that adult males who were sexually abused as children tend to find the physical acts of abuse less unpleasant than females have done. This is a result of gender differences in sexual response and the methods of abuse used. Young girls are usually penetrated with fingers or penises which hurt and/or taste bad. Young boys, on the other hand, are subjected to masturbation or oral sex performed by the offender. When the boy becomes erect, he interprets this physiological response as an indicator that he is enjoying what is happening to him. He will begin to feel that his body has betrayed him and will wonder if he is “gay”, thus laying the groundwork for adult problems related to sexual identity, low self-esteem, and severe homophobia.
Male victims who disclose abuse are, on average, much younger than females who disclose. While females are between 13 and 14 years of age, young boys tend to be 5 to 6 years of age. The reason for this age difference is tied to a boy’s sense of self and awareness of homosexuality. Younger boys do not have a concept of homophobia and as a result are not reluctant to report. 8 to 10 year olds on the other hand begin to question their own sexual identity, especially when they are being abused by an older male.
