Male Rape Crisis Figure Doubles (Press, 27 June 1989)

The Rape Crisis Centre in Rotorua has reported a significant increase in the number of males seeking assistance, with the figures more than doubling from the previous year ending May 1989. Male clients constituted 6 per cent of the centre's workload in the year to May 1988, but this figure rose to 14 per cent in 1989, translating to 20 male clients out of a total of 148 cases handled by the centre's five volunteers. A spokesperson for the centre, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal from offenders, revealed that most of the male victims had experienced sodomy by heterosexual men, either during childhood or adulthood. There has also been a notable trend of males recently released from prison seeking help, as they confront difficulties in re-establishing normal sexual relationships following experiences of sexual abuse while incarcerated. The increase in male clients does not indicate a rise in the sexual abuse of males, but rather reflects a growing willingness to discuss these issues, which has only become socially acceptable in the last decade. The spokesperson emphasised that societal stigma, particularly around masculinity and sexuality, often deters men from seeking help. She remarked, “It takes a pretty courageous and desperate man to ring a women’s organisation for help but there is nowhere else for them to go.” To address this need, the spokesperson called for the establishment of a dedicated network for men who have been sexually abused. Furthermore, she highlighted a troubling trend where men in the community are becoming increasingly anxious about being associated with child-related activities for fear of being perceived as abusers. The spokesperson also pointed out a concerning attitude within some community groups that tends to downplay the prevalence of sexual abuse, labelling it as a common and insidious issue that must be confronted rather than ignored. She advocated for more individuals to find the courage to report cases of sexual abuse and rape, positing that increased reporting would enable society to grasp the severity of the problem. Overall, the message conveyed was one of urgency in addressing sexual abuse, as well as a need for support systems specifically aimed at male victims.

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