A qualitative investigation of service providers’ experiences supporting raped and sexually abused men

Widanaralalage, K., Hine, B., Murphy, A. and Murji, K. 2023. A qualitative investigation of service providers’ experiences supporting raped and sexually abused men. Violence and Victims. 38 (1), pp. 53-76. https://doi.org/10.1891/VV-2022-0084

TitleA qualitative investigation of service providers’ experiences supporting raped and sexually abused men
TypeJournal article
AuthorsWidanaralalage, K., Hine, B., Murphy, A. and Murji, K.
Abstract

Substantial gaps remain in our understanding of the risks and barriers that exist for men affected by rape and sexual abuse. The present research utilised semi-structured interviews with twelve service providers from specialist organisations in the UK. An interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) revealed three superordinate themes: i) survivors’ needs for agency, safety, and control as functions of their masculinity, ii) the impact of rape myths and their challenge to therapeutic intervention, and iii) survivors’ expectations around reporting and the police. The role of masculinity and social stigma permeated participants’ accounts, with negative stereotypes and male rape myths influencing reporting, access to services, and survivors’ coping mechanisms. Results are discussed in relation to current service provision within the UK, and avenues for improvement are suggested.

Keywordsrape
men’s victimisation
masculinity
rape myths
service providers
JournalViolence and Victims
Journal citation38 (1), pp. 53-76
ISSN0886-6708
1945-7073
Year2023
PublisherSpringer
Accepted author manuscript
File Access Level
Open (open metadata and files)
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1891/VV-2022-0084
Publication dates
PublishedJan 2023

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