In an analysis of 22 cases of male rape in a community setting, the
gender of the victim did not appear to be of primary importance to some of
the rapists, but for others, males appeared to be specific intended
targets, and the rapists' assaults were an effort to deal with unresolved
and conflictual aspects of their lives. For all offenders the sexual
assault was an act of retaliation, an expression of power, and an assertion
of their strength and manhood. The impact of rape on the male victims was
similar to that on female victims, disrupting their biopsychosocial
functioning; however, male rape appears to be underreported due to the
stigma associated with it.Abstract Teaser