You likely know that the vast majority of victims of sexual violence, abuse, or rape are women and girls. Yet, it’s important to recognize that men and boys also can be victims of sexual violence.
Currently, about 14% of reported rapes involve men or boys, 1 in 6 reported sexual assaults is against a boy and 1 in 25 reported sexual assaults is against a man. Keep in mind that these are merely the number of reported incidents. Given our society’s outmoded beliefs around male sexuality—and the man box training that doesn’t permit us to acknowledge our victimhood—many men and boys make the difficult choice not to report sex crimes committed against them. Men and boys who are sexual assault victims are at increased risk of depression, suicide or substance abuse, experience work or school problems, and can develop difficulties in connecting with friends and family.
It’s time to increase awareness around the risks of sexual violence that men and boys face, and to work to create safe environments that can foster healing for victims.
In this episode, we talk with rape crisis counselor and author Robert Uttaro. Bobby is an activist and advocate for survivors of sexual violence. He works as a counselor for victims and their significant others, and facilitates workshops that unpack the realities of sexual violence and offer strategies for support and prevention with a focus on healing. Bobby’s book To the Survivors: One Man's Journey as a Rape Crisis Counselor with True Stories of Sexual Violence gives a voice to those who have been victimized and provides a forum for them to tell their stories in their own words.
This is a sensitive topic, so we recommend that you exercise self-care in listening. We hope you’ll find this discussion informative and helpful. So let’s get on the road!
About Robert Uttaro
Robert Uttaro is currently in his 12th year as a rape crisis counselor and community educator. Inspired by his undergraduate studies in Criminal Justice, he continues to embrace a lifelong commitment to activism and advocacy for survivors of sexual violence. Serving as a counselor, Bobby supports rape survivors and their significant others through myriad emotional, spiritual, and legal issues. He also facilitates workshops that unpack the realities of sexual violence, and offers strategies for support and prevention with a focus on healing.
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