Male victims of sexual assault
G. H. Lipscomb, D. Muram, P. M. Speck and B. M. Mercer
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tennessee, Memphis 38103.
OBJECTIVE--To compare the demographics, physical findings, and assault
characteristics of incarcerated, sexually assaulted men with those of
nonincarcerated, sexually assaulted men. DESIGN--Case series of 99 adult
male victims of sexual assault evaluated over a 3-year period.
SETTING--Memphis Sexual Assault Resource Center, a nonhospital-based clinic
that serves as the primary resource for sexually assaulted victims in the
Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee, area. PARTICIPANTS--All adult male
victims of sexual assault evaluated at the Memphis Sexual Assault Resource
Center during the study period were included in the study. Ninety-nine
victims were studied, including 80 incarcerated men and 19 men from the
community. RESULTS--The victims of sexual assault in the community group
were older than the victims in the incarcerated group. Apart from the age
difference and weapon use, there were no statistically significant
differences between the incarcerated and nonincarcerated victims.
CONCLUSIONS--The similarities between the two groups suggest that sexual
assault of men may not be unique to prisons, and all men are potential
victims. Further studies are required to better understand these crimes and
to develop education and prevention programs.
