Activation warning: this episode contains explicit and graphic descriptions of sexual assault and rape. Discretionary caution is strongly advised. This episode is not for children. Please use extreme self-care in listening to this episode. If you are activated or triggered and need help, call the national sexual assault telephone hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). Here it is. The hard part. This is the rest of Alan's story. It wasn't easy for Alan to tell, and it's not easy to listen to. But it's important to Alan to be able to tell his story, and it's important that we all listen. Because talking about these horrible atrocities and discussing the prevalence of this rampant crime is vital to exposing biases and stigmas and reducing the prevalence of rape and sexual assault. Male victims of rape face unique challenges and stigmas that can make it difficult for them to talk about their rape; to come forward and seek help. So that makes Alan's telling of this violence even more impressive and important. Here are some hard facts about being a male victim of rape: Underreporting: Male victims of rape, like their female counterparts, often underreport the crime. There is a significant stigma associated with male victimization, and many men may fear not being believed or being ridiculed if they disclose their experience. Stigma and Stereotypes: Societal attitudes and stereotypes about masculinity can create a barrier for male victims. There is a common misconception that men should always be strong and in control, which can make it challenging for them to admit vulnerability and seek support. This is true, even at young ages, because boys are indoctrinated to be tough and strong…it's in our culture. Lack of Awareness: There is a lack of awareness about the prevalence of male sexual assault, which can make it even more difficult for male survivors to tell anyone about their experience, or to access appropriate services and support. Impact on Mental Health: Like female survivors, male victims of rape can suffer from severe psychological and emotional trauma, including symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and a range of other mental health issues. Limited Support Services: There are fewer support services and resources specifically tailored to male survivors of sexual assault. This lack of resources can make it harder for male survivors to find the help they need. Perpetrators: Perpetrators of sexual assault can be of any gender, but the vast majority of reported cases involve male perpetrators. This can add another layer of complexity to the survivor's experience. Recovery: Recovery from sexual assault can be a long and difficult process for male victims. Finding the right support network, which may include therapy and counseling, is crucial for healing. It's essential to raise awareness of these issues, reduce stigma, and provide support and resources for male survivors of sexual assault. Organizations like RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) provide information, resources, and hotlines that are inclusive of all genders and can be a valuable source of support for male survivors. Please remember to do your part to help bring justice to victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault. How? Start By Believing. Because we all know someone whose life has been affected by rape or sexual assault. Here are some important resources that I would like for you to have: https://thejanbrobergfoundation.org/ https://markel-consulting.com https://startbybelieving.org https://safeinharmsway.org [email protected]