Author Date

2020-12-17

Degree Name

BS

Department

Nursing

College

Nursing

Defense Date

2020-11-30

Publication Date

2020-12-17

First Faculty Advisor

Dr. Leslie Miles

Second Faculty Advisor

Dr. Julie Valentine

First Faculty Reader

Dr. Janelle Macintosh

Honors Coordinator

Dr. Deborah Himes

Keywords

male victim, sexual assault, trauma, sexual abuse, sexual assault forensic medical examination

Abstract

Ten percent of all victims who report a sexual assault (SA) are male (Department of Justice, 2013), yet there has been little research on their experiences. Further study on the unique characteristics of male SA victims is warranted. The purpose of this study is to explore, identify, and analyze variables of male SA victims who received a SA forensic medical examination (SAFME), and identify implications and areas for future research. Data from the SAFME charts were entered into the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Male victims were compared to female victims from the same data set.

Male victims experienced significantly increased rates of sustained physical blows, use of a weapon by perpetrators, loss of consciousness, and multiple suspects involved in the SA. Minority groups were overrepresented. Male victims with physical or mental impairment were significantly more vulnerable to SA than females with the same reported disabilities. Male victims were also more likely than female victims to report SA as a first-time occurrence. Nurses can advocate for male victims to disclose SA, receive gender-appropriate treatment, and direct victims to appropriate resources for continued care. Further research is needed to examine the availability of gender-appropriate resources for male victims of SA and preventative measures to protect this population.

Male victims of SA have unique characteristics and vulnerabilities compared to female victims. Nurses need to know the differences and unique vulnerabilities of male SA to provide empathetic and gender-sensitive care.

Handle

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/uht0171

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