Gender-based violence (sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking and harassment) can impact anyone regardless of age, race, gender, class, sexual orientation, ability status, strength, etc.  Men survivors often face disbelief or dismissal of their reports of sexual violence. Men may feel that they should have been strong enough to defend themselves against the assault, or that a "real man" could have avoided the assault. Survivors are not to blame for what they endured. Those who commit acts of gender-based violence use many different tactics, including fear, shame, threats, manipulation, and alcohol or other drugs to gain power and control over survivors. Men survivors have the right to be heard and believed, and to receive appropriate support and resources.

Prevalence

1 in 16 cisgender men will be sexually assaulted in college.

Men who identify as gay or bisexual are at increased risk of experiencing sexual assault.

It is estimated that 16% of men are sexually abused by the age of 18.

Challenges to Reporting & Seeking Support

• Fear that police, medical professionals, counselors, or other support services may be insensitive to their experience
• Inability to recognize what happened as rape because they became sexually aroused, had an erection, or ejaculated during the assault (these are involuntary physiological reactions, sexual arousal does not necessarily mean there was consent).
• Fear of sexual orientation being questioned.
• Feelings of shame, guilt, and/or embarrassment

Campus and Community Resources

Confidential DU Resources

• CAPE (Center for Advocacy, Prevention, and Empowerment) provides free and confidential advocacy and support to survivors of sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking and harassment.
      o Daytime Advocacy: 303-871-3853
      o After-Hours Counselor on Call: 303-871-205
      o Email: [email protected]
      o Address: 1981 S University Blvd., Denver, CO 80210
• Health and Counseling Center provides confidential medical and mental health services.
      o Phone: 303-871-2205
      o Counselor on Call: 303-871-2205
      o Email: [email protected]

Non-Confidential DU Resources

• DU's Center for Multicultural Excellence (CME)
      o Website: https://www.du.edu/cme/
      o Phone: 303-871-7650
      o Email: [email protected]
• DU Reporting Resources

Community/National-Based Resources

• 1 in 6
      o An online resource and support tool intended to help men
         who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences
         live healthier, happier, lives.
      o Website: https://1in6.org/
• The Blue Bench
      o 24/7 sexual assault hotline, along with SANE Forensic Exam
         accompaniment, individual/group therapy, case
         management, and prevention/education programming   
      o Website: http://thebluebench.org/
      o Phone: 303-322-7273 

To learn more, or to connect with an advocate,
contact the Coordinator of CAPE Advocacy Services, Kayla Ham,
at 303-871-3853 or [email protected].