Throughout history, “male sexual assault has been shrouded in secrecy and stigma” (AASAS) . “Sexual assault can take many different forms and be defined in different ways, but one thing remains the same : it’s never the victims fault”(RAINN). Contrary to popular beliefs anyone regardless of age , ethnicity, gender or socioeconomic class can be a victim of sexual assault. However , male victims are having a difficult time coping with being victimized , primarily because their masculinity is being question ,the action of a man being raped is not seen “manly or macho”(AASAS) and because of social definitions. And in several cases, many man have reported were sexually aroused. “Male sexual assault has been regarded as an aberration of institutional life where the sex object of choice is unavailable” (Mezey) . “ Our culture values invulnerability and denial of pain as essential qualities of “manliness”(NASAS). If the issue of male sexual assault is not address immediately , we will have a high rate of depression , suicide , and mental illness which in return attacks the way we function as a society. The following research question reads as follows : How has the sexual assault of men effect their views of sexual assault? (How are they coping with sexual assault ) . However , the hypothesis will prove that male victims of sexual assault are encountering difficulties coping with being victimized. Both variable are as followed : male (independent ) and coping methods (dependent). The significance of this research proposal is to bring light to the controversial topics of males as sexual assault victims and their coping methods . In addition to highlight the negative role society has on male victims.
Literature Review
We are living in a society where the “social definition of gender” (Weiss 287) has more relevance over “the definition of rape itself” (Weiss 287). Sadly, “the assumptions that men, by nature, need and want sex, and because of persistent cultural scripts regarding (hetero)sexuality that cast men as sexual initiators and women as gatekeepers responsible for restraint, men’s incidents may seldom be acknowledge as “real” crimes” (Weiss 287). According to Karen G. Weiss author of Male Sexual Victimization: Examining Men’s Experience of Rape and Sexual Assault explore the victimization of male in the United States. In this thorough article she talks about the “social definition of sexual violence and masculinity” (276), while “examining male sexual assault experience” (286) and “the shame of Sexual victimization (291). Weiss goes on to explain how “social definition of sexual violence and masculinity” (276) can have a negative effect on the victim and their coping methods. She states that “men who are victimized by rape or sexual assault contradict hegemonic definitions of male sexuality that require men to be sexually potent, dominate, and in control” (277). Furthermore she examples that if a man uses the word NO his masculinity is question, whereas if a women says NO society stands behind her choice. Regardless of gender no one, male or female should be ashamed of being a victim of sexual assault. However, because of social definition and social norms male victims of sexual assault are looked down upon, their masculinity (strength) is question and the question of if their a real man is raised. Throughout this article she share several stories of male victims who were “date rape” (Weiss 287) by individuals close to them. Weiss states that “In addition, while there are certainly incidents of men being sexually coerced by male dates and intimate partners, the vast majority of date rape described in men’s narrative are attributed to girlfriends, ex-girlfriends, or female friends” (287). Many man will continue to be ashamed of being victimzed because “they fear being disbelieved, ridiculed, shamed, accused of weakness, ignored or, in the case of heterosexual men, being perceived as gay” (AASAS).
Throughout history it is evident that society does not view male and female victims of sexual assault the same. As stated before anyone regards of age, gender, ethnicity and socioeconomical status can be victims of sexual assault. “Male sexual assault has been shrouded in secrecy and stigma” (RAINN) because “our culture values invulnerability and denial of pain as essential qualities of “manliness” (NASAS). According to G. Mezey and M. King authors’ of The effect of sexual assault on men: a survey of 22 victims identifies victims’ long-term reactions of the assault and their reaction following the assault. Mezey and King categorized male victims’ long-term reactions into two principal groups such as Psychological and Behavioral. According to the survey of 22 men, 5 men recorded that they all suffered from an “increased sense of vulnerability, (5) security precautions and (5) increased anger / irritability” (Mezey 207). While 11 men suffered from both “sexual dysfunction and rape- related phobias” (Mezey 207). Whereas, six men suffered from “conflicted sexual orientation, seven reported having “loss of self-respect / damaged self- image” (Mezey 207). And eight men surveyed that they suffered from “emotional distancing” (Mezey 207).
As you can see male victims of sexual suffered tremendously, it became very difficult for them to “form close trusting relationships” (Mezey 207). Many where not able to perform sexual , which lead to many “men questioning their sexual orientation or its relevance to the assault” (Mezey 207). Afterwards, many male victims experience “a wide range of distressing and disabling symptoms often experienced for years afterwards” (Mezey 207). However, Mezey and King indicated that “two victims had attempted suicide subsequently and one committed suicide two years after the assault” (207). Due to the overwhelming pressure surround their assault several men surveyed that participated in the consumption of “alcohol, prescribed drugs” (Mezey 207). Many male victims of sexual assault fail to report this Haynes crime because of the “stigma, fear of rejection or disbelief they anticipated” (Mezey 207). Whereas Mezey and King, believe that “failure to report to the police is an even more greater problem for male victims of sexual assault than for women… they also need to be aware that male victims exist” (208). As many articles such as this continue to unfold, you will be more enlighten on the severity and importance of how male sexual assault victims cope with being victimized and how society focusing them to remind quiet.
Methodology
The following paper will identify and explain Research Approach, Research Design, Data Collection Methods and Sampling Methods. It will also highlight key elements of Sample Methods such as Study Population, Sampling Frame and Sample Strategy. Furthermore, this paper will provide justifications for choosing various strategies and how they are compatible with the research question / objectives. In addition to describe what methods are used to minimize measurement errors and enhancing the reliability and validity of data collection instrument.
The Research Approach that I will be using to construct my research paper is Cross-sectional studies. Although, this form of study is time consuming and costly it provides me with accurate information that helps me minimize inaccurate responses. After choosing my Research Approach I am now able to identify my Research Design as Descriptive Studies. This form of study answers the question of how a phenomenon occurs, in addition to identifying a correlation between both variable. Descriptive study is an in-depth form of study that provides us with descriptive information about the participant’s feelings and experiences. The Study Population that I will be focusing on is men and my Sampling Frame is male victims of sexual assault. The Sample Strategy would be Simple Random sampling because it provides all the participants a fair chance of being a part of the research study. The Sample Method is a very important method in constructing a research paper because it helps you narrow down your population in addition to helping you stay on topic and making sure your research paper flow according.
Last but not least, the Data Collection Method that I will be using for my research paper is a Questionnaire. Although there are advantages and disadvantages of a questionnaire this method can be held in various location and times. However, a face to face questionnaire is much easier and effective because it provides us with the opportunity to take notes on the participant’s behavior. In order to minimize measurement errors, I must avoid asking questions that are not related to my research and asking leading questions. In addition to avoid my own personal biases and prejudices. All of my question must be clear and concise. To enhance reliability and validity I must make sure that I am truly measuring what needs to measure (ex. Agree, disagree, etc.). In addition to making sure that my research paper meets all scientific requirements. It is evident that there is a correlation between the strategies provides and the research question / objective. Each strategy helps me prove the validity of my research paper by allowing me to choose which methods/ study works best with constructing my research paper.
After reading the following paper you will be able to identify and explain the research topic, problem statement, research question, hypothesis in addition to distinguishing both independent / dependent variables along with identifying the significance of the research. Furthermore, you will be able to see the correlation between the hypothesis and literature review. In addition to highlighting different aspect of Methodology to help you identify the Research Approach, Research Design, Data Collection Methods and Sampling Methods.
You will also be able to highlight key elements of Sample Methods such as Study Population, Sampling Frame and Sample Strategy. In addition to identifying justifications for choosing various strategies and how they are compatible with the research question / objectives. In addition to what methods are used to minimize measurement errors and enhancing the reliability and validity of data collection instrument. Furthermore, you will walk away with more knowledge about male victims of sexual assault, along with information on how society social definition are not helping the healing purpose for male victims.
