Sexual assault can occur regardless of gender. Hazing, physical abuse, and humiliation can be forms of sexual assault if the actions include sexual force, threats, intimidation, or abuse of authority. If you do not or cannot consent, it is sexual assault.
More male Soldiers are coming forward to get help. If you were sexually assaulted, know that you are not alone. The following list includes some of the common experiences shared by men who have survived sexual assault. It is not a complete list, but it may help you to know that other people have had similar experiences:
- Anxiety, depression, fearfulness, or post-traumatic stress disorder
- Avoiding people or places that are related to the assault or abuse
- Concerns or questions about sexual orientation
- Fear of the worst happening and having a sense of a shortened future
- Feeling like "less of a man" or that you no longer have control over your own body
- Feeling on-edge, being unable to relax, and having difficulty sleeping
- Sense of blame or shame over not being able to stop the assault or abuse, especially if you experienced an erection or ejaculation
- Withdrawal from relationships or friendships and an increased sense of isolation
- Anger issues/lashing out
- Substance abuse issues
Some men may feel as though what happened to them was not a criminal act because their experience with sexual violence was disguised as bullying, hazing, or other abusive acts. Bullying is typically an exclusive behavior with the ultimate goal to belittle, breakdown, and further hurt an individual. Hazing is an inclusive behavior, with the goal to bring an individual into the “fold” or “brotherhood.” – DoD Safe Helpline
Step Up for Your Brother Campaign
Sexual harassment and sexual assault can occur regardless of gender. However, men are less likely to report incidents or seek help, for fear of stigma surrounding male sexual harassment and sexual assault. As fellow Soldiers, we can create an environment where all sexual violence is not tolerated. What will you do to step up for your brother?
STEP UP FOR YOUR BROTHER CAMPAIGNDoD Men's SAPR Campaign
DoD’s Men’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Campaign focuses on sexual assault experienced by male service members. It addresses the personal impact and negative effects on readiness and unit cohesion when sexual assaults occur. The campaign also provides vital education and access to important resources to both SAPR professionals and victims of sexual assault.
DoD MEN'S SAPR COMPAIGNContact Your Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC)
Communication between you and a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) or Victim Advocate (VA) is privileged and will not be released to others (MRE 514). Our professionals will ensure you are protected, treated with dignity and respect, and receive timely access to appropriate medical treatment. Response services are always confidential.
Find your SARC
The DoD Safe Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is both anonymous and confidential, as well as secure. Staff members will listen to your concerns, discuss safety planning, provide information about resources and, when you are ready, connect you with local resources such as a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) or Victim Advocate (VA).
Call 877-995-5247 to be connected with a trained Safe Helpline staff member.
DSN users can call Safe Helpline by dialing 877-995-5247.
For those unable to call toll-free or DSN, call 202-540-5962.
Chat with Staff MemberDownload the Safe Helpline App for direct access to chat, text, and additional resources.
