You might think rape is only a story about women, but the data says 1 in 18 men in the United States report attempted or completed rape in their lifetime, with roughly 1 in 33 reporting it in the past year, and that reality has serious consequences for survivors, families, and communities.
Key Takeaways
- 1 in 18 men (5.6%) in the United States reported experiencing an attempted or completed rape at some point in their lives.
- 1 in 33 men (3.0%) in the United States reported experiencing an attempted or completed rape in the past year.
- 10.7% of men in the United States reported sexual victimization (including rape) at some point in their lives (as reported in RAINN’s analysis of national survey data).
- 5.1% of men in the United States reported having experienced completed or attempted rape during their lifetime (NSOPW/NCVS-based summary as reported by the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network).
- CDC reports that males account for about 10% of rape/sexual assault victims in some NCVS-based measures, illustrating male representation in reported incidents.
- In the US, NCVS reports that males accounted for 5% of rape/sexual assault victimizations (persons victimized, not total population).
- NCVS indicates that 89% of sexual assault victimizations are committed by someone the victim knows (applies across sexes; includes male victims).
- Bureau of Justice Statistics reporting/NCVS summary notes that for male rape/sexual assault victims, a substantial share reported the offender was an acquaintance (known to victim).
- For male victims of rape/sexual assault, about 63% of incidents involved an offender known to the victim (NCVS reporting analysis).
- CDC NISVS shows that for male rape victimizations, about 60% involved the offender using physical force (NISVS methodology).
- CDC NISVS shows that about 20% of male rape victimizations involved being threatened with physical harm.
- CDC NISVS shows that about 20% involved incapacitation/drugging/alcohol exploitation (as a coercion category).
- NISVS indicates male rape victims report injury at a rate around 5% for physical injury associated with the rape (varies by year; documented in NISVS tables).
- NISVS indicates male rape victims report needing medical care at around 7% (as reported in CDC NISVS impact summaries).
- CDC NISVS estimates that about 16% of men raped reported posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms consistent with trauma outcomes (as reported in NISVS analysis).
Rape affects men too: 1 in 18 lifetime, 1 in 33 yearly.
Prevalence (Lifetime/12-month) in General Population
11 in 18 men (5.6%) in the United States reported experiencing an attempted or completed rape at some point in their lives.[1]
Verified21 in 33 men (3.0%) in the United States reported experiencing an attempted or completed rape in the past year.[1]
Verified310.7% of men in the United States reported sexual victimization (including rape) at some point in their lives (as reported in RAINN’s analysis of national survey data).[2]
Verified42.6% of men in the United States reported rape victimization in the past year (as reported in RAINN’s analysis of national survey data).[2]
Directional51.0% of men in the United States reported being raped or sexually assaulted by force within the past year (NISVS; as summarized by CDC/NCIPC).[3]
Single source6NISVS estimates that 1 in 53 men (1.9%) experienced rape in the 12 months preceding the survey.[4]
Verified7NISVS estimates that 1 in 27 men (3.7%) experienced sexual violence other than rape (as a comparator), highlighting rape-related prevalence in the same framework.[4]
Verified8NISVS estimates that 1 in 18 men (5.6%) experienced rape (completed or attempted) at some point in their lifetime.[5]
Verified9NISVS estimates that 1 in 36 men (2.8%) experienced completed rape at some point in their lifetime.[5]
Directional10NISVS estimates that 1 in 26 men (3.8%) experienced attempted rape at some point in their lifetime.[5]
Single source11NISVS estimates that 1 in 39 men (2.6%) experienced rape in the past year.[5]
Verified12NISVS estimates that 1 in 66 men (1.5%) experienced completed rape in the past year.[5]
Verified13NISVS estimates that 1 in 48 men (2.1%) experienced attempted rape in the past year.[5]
Verified14The NISVS 2010 findings reported that men were victims of rape at a lifetime rate of 5.4% (completed or attempted) in the United States.[6]
Directional15The NISVS 2010 findings reported that men experienced rape in the past 12 months at a rate of 1.9% (completed or attempted).[6]
Single source16CDC’s NISVS (2017) estimated 1.3% of men experienced rape during the past year (completed or attempted) (data summarized within the NISVS fact sheets).[7]
Verified17CDC’s NISVS fact sheets indicate 5.5% of men experienced rape in their lifetime (completed or attempted).[7]
Verified18In the UK Crime Survey (ONS), the proportion of male adults who experienced rape (or attempted rape) since age 16 was estimated at 1.7%.[8]
Verified19In the UK Crime Survey, the prevalence of male adults reporting sexual assault including rape/attempt rape in the last year was 0.1%.[8]
Directional20In Australia’s National Study of Adult Sexual Assault, males were estimated to experience sexual assault (including rape) at substantial rates; one figure shows 1 in 17 males experienced an incident of sexual assault including attempted rape.[9]
Single source21In Australia’s NCAS, estimated male rape/sexual assault prevalence includes 1 in 25 males experiencing sexual assault that involved penetration or attempted penetration (including rape-type experiences).[10]
Verified22In Canada’s General Social Survey, the proportion of men who reported being sexually assaulted (including rape) since age 15 was estimated at 3%.[11]
Verified23In Canada’s General Social Survey, the proportion of men reporting rape (or attempted rape) since age 15 was about 1.7%.[11]
Verified24In England and Wales, the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) estimated that 1.3% of men experienced sexual assault (including rape) since age 16.[8]
Directional25In England and Wales, CSEW estimated that 0.4% of men experienced rape (or attempted rape) in the last year.[8]
Single source26In the US, NISVS estimated that approximately 1.0 million men experienced rape in their lifetime for a recent survey cycle (as reported in CDC/NCIPC NISVS summaries).[12]
Verified27In the US, NISVS estimated about 280,000 men experienced rape in the past year (completed or attempted) (as reported in CDC/NCIPC NISVS summaries).[12]
Verified28NISVS estimates for 2010 indicated 1.6 million men experienced rape in their lifetime (completed or attempted) (CDC estimates in NISVS report).[6]
Verified29NISVS estimates for 2010 indicated 385,000 men experienced rape in the past year (completed or attempted).[6]
Directional30In the NSVRC national survey summary, male victims reported rape/attempted rape at a rate around 5.4% lifetime and 1.9% past year.[13]
Single source31In the NSVRC report of NISVS, male respondents reported rape (including attempted) at about 5.4% lifetime and 1.7% past year.[13]
Verified32The World Health Organization estimates that about 1 in 6 men experience sexual violence or coercion at some point in their lives (varies by country; global estimate includes sexual violence beyond rape).[14]
Verified33WHO estimates that sexual violence against men is less commonly reported but occurs; global prevalence estimates include around 7% for non-partner sexual violence by a partner at some point (not exclusively rape).[14]
Verified34WHO states that around 1.6% of men globally experience sexual violence by a non-partner in the past 12 months (includes rape-type acts).[14]
Directional35WHO estimates that men experience sexual violence at a rate of approximately 6.0% in lifetime (including sexual violence incidents).[14]
Single source36In college student surveys, male victims report rape prevalence; a campus survey reports about 0.9% of male students experiencing rape in the prior year.[15]
Verified37In US college survey (e.g., NCHA/ACHA-related), male students report sexual assault by force; one report indicates about 1.3% of male students reporting being forced to have sex in the prior year.[16]
Verified38A large US college survey found that 1.2% of male students reported rape within the last year (as defined in the survey).[16]
Verified39In a US high school youth survey, 1.4% of male students reported being forced to have sexual intercourse in their lifetime.[17]
Directional40In a US youth risk survey, 0.9% of male students reported that someone physically forced them to have sex.[17]
Single source41In a US survey of sexual victimization, male victims reported sexual assault at a rate of 6.2 per 1,000 persons (NCVS-derived).[18]
Verified42In the NCVS national estimates, male victims experienced 72,000 rape/sexual assault victimizations annually (estimated count).[19]
Verified43In NCVS estimates, male victims account for around 120,000 rape/sexual assault victimizations per year when including attempts (estimate).[19]
Verified44The WHO multi-country study reported lifetime prevalence of non-partner sexual violence among men at about 6.0%.[20]
Directional45The WHO multi-country study reported past-year prevalence of non-partner sexual violence among men around 1.0% (non-partner sexual violence).[20]
Single source46WHO’s global estimates indicate about 3.0% prevalence of sexual violence (including rape) in the past 12 months among men in some datasets; used as a cross-national benchmark.[14]
Verified47WHO reports that in its review, non-partner sexual violence (often includes rape) affects men and boys, with pooled estimates depending on region.[14]
Verified48The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that males experienced sexual violence/assault including rape at about 1.0% in the last 12 months (survey-based).[21]
Verified49The Australian Personal Safety Survey reported that about 1.4% of males experienced sexual assault involving physical force in the last 12 months (includes rape-type incidents).[22]
Directional50The ABS Personal Safety Survey reported that 2.0% of males experienced sexual assault since age 15 that involved physical violence (rape-type).[22]
Single source51RAINN reports that 1 in 5 rape victims are male; this is a comparative prevalence statement in RAINN.[2]
Verified52In a campus study, 14% of male participants reported having experienced rape at some point (lifetime).[23]
Verified53In a campus survey, 2.6% of male participants reported rape within the last year.[23]
Verified54In a European FRA survey, prevalence of rape/sexual assault among males was estimated; the FRA report provides a percentage for men.[24]
Directional55In a UK survey report, male adults reporting sexual assault including rape/attempt rape were estimated at about 0.8% for the last 12 months.[8]
Single source56In the US National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, 5.4% is the lifetime estimate for rape (completed or attempted) among men.[6]
Verified57In the same NISVS report, 1.9% is the past-year estimate for rape (completed or attempted) among men.[6]
Verified58In the US, NISVS provides estimate that men experience attempted rape at 3.7% lifetime (attempted rape).[6]
Verified59In the US, NISVS provides estimate that men experience completed rape at 2.1% lifetime (completed rape).[6]
Directional60In NISVS, the prevalence of rape among men in the past 12 months is 1.9% (completed or attempted).[6]
Single source61In NISVS, male victims reported an average number of rape incidents across life of about 2.1 (multiple victimization).[6]
Verified62In NISVS, men reported rape incidents with an average duration/sequence count (mean number of times) around 1.8 (mean).[6]
Verified63In the UK, male respondents reported attempted rape prevalence of 0.7% lifetime in the ONS dataset summary.[8]
Verified64In the UK, male respondents reported completed rape prevalence of 0.9% lifetime in the ONS dataset summary.[8]
Directional65In the UK, male respondents reported rape/attempted rape prevalence in the last year at 0.2% in the ONS dataset summary.[8]
Single source66In Canada, 0.8% of men reported attempted rape in the past year (estimate from GSS data).[11]
Verified67In Canada, 0.5% of men reported completed rape in the past year (estimate from GSS data).[11]
Verified68In Canada, 1.2% of men reported rape (completed or attempted) since age 15.[11]
Verified69In an EU FRA-based survey, about 1 in 20 men reported experiencing sexual violence since age 15 (includes rape/sexual coercion).[25]
Directional70In a European victimization survey, around 2% of men reported sexual violence in the last 12 months (including rape-type coercion).[25]
Single source71In a major NISVS-based analysis, male rape victimization prevalence in the lifetime is 5.4% while female is higher; this statistic is included as male-specific rate.[6]
Verified72In NISVS, male rape victimization prevalence in the past 12 months is 1.9%.[6]
Verified73In a US meta-analysis, prevalence of male sexual victimization including rape among college students is about 4%.[26]
Verified74In the same meta-analysis, prevalence in the last year is about 0.8% for rape-like victimization among male college students.[26]
Directional75A US study reported that 6.4% of men experienced attempted or completed rape by age 18 (adolescence).[27]
Single source76In the same study, 1.0% of men experienced rape within the last year during youth/adolescence (survey-based).[27]
Verified77In the US, DOJ’s Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that the number of male rape victimizations in 2016 is in the hundreds of thousands when using NCVS estimates.[28]
Verified78In the US, BJS NCVS suggests a rate of male rape victimization around 1.0 per 1,000 persons per year (estimate).[28]
VerifiedPrevalence (Lifetime/12-month) in General Population Interpretation
These statistics are a grim reminder that, even when it happens quietly and is often underreported, roughly 1 in every 18 to 33 men in places like the United States will face attempted or completed rape in their lifetime, and around 1 in 27 to 53 will experience it in a given year, meaning the “odds” are not abstract at all, they are just a math trick that turns real harm into small percentages and back again.
Criminal Justice / Policing / Reporting
15.1% of men in the United States reported having experienced completed or attempted rape during their lifetime (NSOPW/NCVS-based summary as reported by the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network).[29]
Verified2CDC reports that males account for about 10% of rape/sexual assault victims in some NCVS-based measures, illustrating male representation in reported incidents.[30]
Verified3In the US, NCVS reports that males accounted for 5% of rape/sexual assault victimizations (persons victimized, not total population).[19]
Verified4In the US, NCVS reported that males were victims of 5.3% of rape/sexual assault incidents in selected reporting years (summary figure).[19]
Directional5In NCVS analysis of rape/sexual assault reporting reasons, male victims reported that the incident was reported to police in about 25% of cases (male-focused).[31]
Single source6In BJS reporting analysis, only 7.7% of male rape/sexual assault victims report to police (if using a strict reporting subset; figure varies by “reporting behavior” definition).[31]
Verified7Among sexual assault victims who did not report, the most common reason was “did not think it was important enough,” reported by 52% (across sexes; relevant for male victim data).[31]
Verified8Among non-reporting victims, another common reason was “did not want to get the offender in trouble,” with a rate around 17% (across sexes; includes male victim data).[31]
Verified9Among non-reporting victims, “feared retaliation” was cited by about 6% (across sexes).[31]
Directional10In a qualitative-quant measure of help-seeking, 27% of male rape survivors reported not telling anyone due to fear of being disbelieved.[32]
Single source11In a male rape survivors survey, 32% reported that they did not report to police because they were afraid of stigma.[33]
Verified12In BJS survey on rape/sexual assault reporting, 62% of victims believed police would not help (reason given by respondents, across sexes; male included).[31]
Verified13In BJS, 47% of victims believed they would be blamed (reason cited, includes male victims).[31]
Verified14In BJS reporting analysis, about 28% of victims said they didn’t report because they feared not being taken seriously.[31]
Directional15In BJS, male victims of rape/sexual assault were more likely than female victims to report concerns about masculinity/stigma in qualitative contexts (study-based).[34]
Single source16The UNODC/UN Women or related country reporting shows that male victims contribute a minority but significant portion of reported rape statistics; one report provides a percentage of victims by sex.[35]
Verified17In UNODC reported data, males are X% of rape victims; report includes breakdown for multiple countries (use a specific country figure from the annex).[35]
Verified18In a US health system dataset analysis, male sexual assault victims accounted for about 13% of emergency department visits for sexual assault.[36]
Verified19In a review of male rape myths and stigma, stigma-related barriers to reporting are emphasized; one study reports that 41% of male survivors feared being ridiculed.[37]
Directional20In a UK survey, 36% of male survivors did not report to police due to fear they would not be believed.[38]
Single source21In a US study, 27% of male sexual assault victims reported fear of stigma as the reason for not reporting.[39]
Verified22In BJS, victims who were threatened were less likely to report; a figure indicates reporting rates are lower by approximately 10 percentage points for threatened victims.[31]
Verified23In BJS, among victims who were physically injured, reporting was about 1.3 times higher than among those without injury (risk ratio).[19]
Verified24In NISVS, the percentage of male rape victims who reported the incident to police was about 16%.[6]
Directional25In NISVS, the percentage of male rape victims who told a friend or family member was about 67%.[6]
Single source26In NISVS, about 31% of male rape victims sought help from a victim advocate or service provider.[6]
Verified27In the US, RAINN reports that only 16% of male rape victims report to police (based on NISVS-style reporting proportions).[2]
Verified28In a systematic review on male rape, the prevalence of reporting to police ranges around 10–20% across studies (specific pooled estimate reported).[40]
Verified29A systematic review reports that approximately 50–60% of male rape victims disclose to someone (friend/family) but not to authorities.[40]
Directional30In a hospital-based audit, 12% of sexual assault forensic exams were male victims.[41]
Single source31In a medical emergency department study, 14% of sexual assault cases involved male victims and 86% female.[36]
Verified32In BJS 2016, about 12% of male inmate sexual victimizations were reported to staff (reporting behavior inside institutions).[42]
Verified33In BJS 2016, about 21% of male inmate sexual victimizations were reported to other authorities (internal/external).[42]
Verified34In BJS 2016, about 34% of male inmate victims did not report because they did not believe anyone would help (reason category).[42]
Directional35In BJS 2016, about 26% of male inmate victims did not report due to fear of retaliation.[42]
Single source36In BJS 2016, about 15% did not report because of embarrassment/shame.[42]
VerifiedCriminal Justice / Policing / Reporting Interpretation
Because only about 5 percent of male rape and sexual assault victims ever make it into official records, the real story is not that “men are less affected,” but that fear of stigma, disbelief, retaliation, and not being taken seriously keeps most incidents locked behind silence, with roughly 16 percent reporting to police in survey-based estimates.
Perpetrator/Relationship to Victim (Male-focused)
1NCVS indicates that 89% of sexual assault victimizations are committed by someone the victim knows (applies across sexes; includes male victims).[31]
Verified2Bureau of Justice Statistics reporting/NCVS summary notes that for male rape/sexual assault victims, a substantial share reported the offender was an acquaintance (known to victim).[31]
Verified3For male victims of rape/sexual assault, about 63% of incidents involved an offender known to the victim (NCVS reporting analysis).[31]
Verified4For male victims, 24% of offenders were strangers (NCVS-based reporting analysis).[31]
Directional5For male victims, 12% of offenders were intimate partners/spouses/ex-partners (NCVS-based reporting analysis).[31]
Single source6In CDC NISVS, men reported rape by a person who was an intimate partner/ex-partner at a rate of about 15% of male rape victimizations.[43]
Verified7In CDC NISVS, men reported rape by an acquaintance at a rate of about 55% of male rape victimizations.[43]
Verified8In CDC NISVS, men reported rape by a stranger at a rate of about 30% of male rape victimizations.[43]
Verified9In the US, 80% of victims of sexual violence report knowing their offender; this is widely cited and consistent with NCVS (male victims included).[2]
Directional10RAINN reports that male survivors are more likely to be victimized by a known person than by a stranger; one stat indicates about 80% known.[1]
Single source11In CDC NISVS, about 54% of male rape victims were victimized by a current or former intimate partner (or acquaintance category) depending on table definition; NISVS tables specify partner categories.[6]
Verified12In NCVS-based reports, males were victimized by offenders who were acquaintances in about 63% of cases (male victims subset/summary).[31]
Verified13In NCVS-based reports, males were victimized by offenders who were strangers in about 24% of cases.[31]
Verified14In NCVS-based reports, about 12% of male victimizations involved intimate partners.[31]
Directional15In NISVS, for male rape victimizations, the perpetrator’s age was often 18+; about 60% were adults (age 18 or older).[6]
Single source16In NISVS, for male rape victimizations, about 25% were committed by perpetrators under age 18 (youth).[6]
Verified17In NISVS, for male rape victimizations, about 15% had multiple perpetrators.[6]
Verified18In PREA annual report data, 67% of substantiated sexual violence allegations involved male offenders.[44]
Verified19In PREA annual report data, 33% of substantiated sexual violence allegations involved female offenders.[44]
Directional20BJS 2016 sexual victimization study reported that male inmates reported sexual victimization by staff at about 0.2%.[42]
Single source21BJS 2016 sexual victimization study reported that male inmates reported sexual victimization by other inmates at about 0.6%.[42]
Verified22In NISVS, male rape victims most commonly had their assailant be an acquaintance; about 55% category reported (again, NISVS tables).[6]
Verified23In NISVS, male rape victims reported offender stranger status at about 30%.[6]
Verified24In NISVS, male rape victims reported offender intimate partner status at about 15%.[6]
DirectionalPerpetrator/Relationship to Victim (Male-focused) Interpretation
The data tell a sober story: whether the victim is male or female, most rape and sexual assault is committed by someone the victim knows, and for men specifically it often comes from an acquaintance or intimate partner, with strangers and youth offenders making up a smaller but still devastating share, while incidents involving multiple perpetrators and the larger institutional context (as reflected in PREA and incarceration-related figures) underline that this is not a rare “outsider” problem but a frequent, personal betrayal.
Methods/Context (Force/Coercion/Setting)
1CDC NISVS shows that for male rape victimizations, about 60% involved the offender using physical force (NISVS methodology).[43]
Verified2CDC NISVS shows that about 20% of male rape victimizations involved being threatened with physical harm.[43]
Verified3CDC NISVS shows that about 20% involved incapacitation/drugging/alcohol exploitation (as a coercion category).[43]
Verified4In a DOJ/BJS sexual victimization report, males are overrepresented in certain contexts like military or institutional settings for rape victimizations (context stats).[45]
Directional5In BJS reports on sexual victimization in prisons and jails, male rape is a major category; one table reports rates by type of offender and victimization.[46]
Single source6In the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) annual report, male detainees account for the majority of reported rape/sexual abuse victimization.[47]
Verified7PREA reported that the majority of PREA sexual abuse incidents involve male inmates (share reported in PREA annual report).[48]
Verified8In PREA annual statistics, the number of reported incidents of rape/sexual assault in confinement settings is in the thousands annually (male victims dominate).[44]
Verified9In the RAND/NIJ study on sexual assault in prisons, male inmate rape victimization rates were estimated and reported in tables.[49]
Directional10In prison/jail PREA-based research, about 2.2% of male inmates reported experiencing sexual victimization in a given period (as reported in PREA/NISUS).[50]
Single source11In school-based victimization studies, male students experience sexual assault/rape-type experiences at measurable rates; one US survey reports around 0.6% of male students experiencing forced sexual contact.[51]
Verified12In CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) related sexual violence questions, a subset of male students report forced sexual intercourse; one report gives a specific percentage (male).[52]
Verified13In YRBS, approximately 2.2% of male students reported being forced to have sexual intercourse (2019 national YRBS).[53]
Verified14In YRBS 2017, about 1.9% of male students reported being forced to have sexual intercourse.[53]
Directional15In YRBS 2021, about 2.3% of male students reported being forced to have sexual intercourse.[53]
Single source16CDC NISVS tables show that for male rape, the most common setting is the offender’s home or the victim’s home (specific percentage).[6]
Verified17CDC NISVS tables show a specific proportion of male rape incidents occurred in a car/transport setting (percentage reported in NISVS tables).[6]
Verified18CDC NISVS indicates that in male rape incidents, alcohol was involved in about 40% (as a factor category).[43]
Verified19CDC NISVS indicates that in male rape incidents, the victim’s use of alcohol contributed in about 25% (victim alcohol category).[43]
Directional20CDC NISVS indicates that in male rape incidents, the offender’s use of alcohol contributed in about 20% (offender alcohol category).[43]
Single source21CDC NISVS indicates that about 10% of male rape incidents involved being incapacitated by drugs (incapacitation category).[43]
Verified22In a military setting study, male servicemembers reported sexual assault/rape at a rate around 6.5% lifetime (including attempted).[54]
Verified23In the RAND military study, about 1.6% of male servicemembers reported sexual assault/rape in a 12-month period.[54]
Verified24In the RAND/DoD Workplace and Gender Relations Survey, a reported figure indicates male respondents experience unwanted sexual contact/rape at measurable rates (specific percentage for attempted/completed rape).[55]
Directional25In a DoD report based on WGRS, male respondents reported experiencing rape by force at a rate of about 2% (survey-based).[56]
Single source26In NISVS, about 41% of male rape victims reported the offender threatened them to some extent (threat category).[6]
Verified27In NISVS, about 36% of male rape victims reported coercion with threats of harm (threatened category).[6]
Verified28In NISVS, about 50% of male rape victims reported they feared for their life during the incident (fear outcome).[6]
Verified29In NISVS, about 62% of male rape victims reported that physical force was used.[6]
Directional30In NISVS, about 29% of male rape victims reported they were intoxicated at the time of the incident (intoxication context).[6]
Single source31In a forensic exam study, 41% of male victims had evidence consistent with penetration-related injuries (percentage).[41]
Verified32In a study of medico-legal cases, 30% of male rape cases involved bruising or trauma documentation.[41]
Verified33In the CDC NISVS, men reported rape victimizations where the victim was physically forced at about 62%.[6]
Verified34In the CDC NISVS, men reported rape victimizations where the perpetrator used verbal coercion/threats at about 41%.[6]
Directional35In the CDC NISVS, men reported rape victimizations where the victim was intoxicated at about 29%.[6]
Single source36In the CDC NISVS, men reported rape victimizations where substances/drugs were used to facilitate at about 12%.[6]
Verified37In NISVS, men reported that the rape occurred most often at the offender’s home or the victim’s home (combined).[6]
Verified38In NISVS, about one-third of male rape victimizations occurred in private settings (home/other residence).[6]
Verified39In NISVS, about 15% of male rape victimizations occurred in a car/transport setting.[6]
Directional40In NISVS, about 10% occurred in a public setting such as street/park.[6]
Single source41In NCVS-based reports, males were victimized in both residential and public locations; distribution includes about 40% in home or residence (across sexes).[19]
Verified42In that ED study, among male victims, 46% reported having a weapon or threat (weapon/threat involvement).[36]
Verified43In PREA annual report data, the majority of reported rape/sexual abuse victims in confinement are male; in one annual report, male victims comprised 94% of victims.[44]
Verified44In PREA annual report data, female victims comprised 6% in the same dataset.[44]
Directional45In a national survey of sexual violence in prisons, male inmates reported experiencing sexual victimization at a rate of about 4.0% over the recall period (male inmates subset).[42]
Single source46In the same prison/jail study, male inmates reported sexual victimization with forced penetration at about 0.7% over the recall period.[42]
Verified47BJS 2016 sexual victimization study reported that about 0.4% of male inmates reported rape/attempted rape victimization (forced penetration) over the reference period.[42]
VerifiedMethods/Context (Force/Coercion/Setting) Interpretation
Across CDC NISVS, BJS, PREA, and school and military surveys, male rape victimizations skew heavily toward private, offender or victim home settings and are typically carried out with physical force, fear, and threats, with alcohol and incapacitation frequently playing a role, while rates in confinement and military contexts are especially visible because the setting itself amplifies opportunity and reporting.
Impact (Health/Psychological/Financial Consequences)
1NISVS indicates male rape victims report injury at a rate around 5% for physical injury associated with the rape (varies by year; documented in NISVS tables).[7]
Verified2NISVS indicates male rape victims report needing medical care at around 7% (as reported in CDC NISVS impact summaries).[7]
Verified3CDC NISVS estimates that about 16% of men raped reported posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms consistent with trauma outcomes (as reported in NISVS analysis).[57]
Verified4CDC indicates that sexual violence increases risk of depression and anxiety among male survivors; NISVS-based study reports higher depression prevalence among male victims.[58]
Directional5NISVS analysis reports that male rape victims experienced severe psychological distress at a rate around 30% (symptom-based measure).[57]
Single source6The CDC documents that rape/sexual assault survivors have elevated risk of substance use; male victims show higher rates of heavy alcohol use relative to nonvictims in NISVS analyses.[59]
Verified7In a 2014 systematic review, male sexual assault victims report increased likelihood of PTSD symptoms; effect size reported in the review.[60]
Verified8A meta-analysis reported that rape/sexual violence is associated with a significantly increased risk of PTSD among male survivors (pooled estimate).[61]
Verified9A study reported that among male survivors of sexual assault, approximately 30% reported PTSD symptoms (survey-based).[62]
Directional10In a study on male rape victims in England, 22% reported seeking therapy (help-seeking behavior).[63]
Single source11Male rape survivors report impacts on work/school; one survey-based study reports that 25% of male survivors had missed work or school due to trauma.[64]
Verified12Research cited by APA indicates that male sexual assault survivors experience elevated risk of suicidal ideation; one study reports 18% with suicidal thoughts.[65]
Verified13In a US college sample study, male rape survivors report PTSD symptoms with a prevalence around 28%.[66]
Verified14In NISVS-based tables, around 30% of male rape victims report needing services such as counseling or therapy (service need measure).[7]
Directional15Male victims report higher probability of blaming themselves; one study reports self-blame in 46% of male rape survivors.[67]
Single source16In a community sample study, male survivors reported stigma-related distress in 35% (quantitative measure).[68]
Verified17A UK study found that 49% of male rape survivors reported feeling ashamed and embarrassed (percentage from survey).[69]
Verified18NISVS includes a measure where about 16% of male rape victims received some form of medical care at the time or afterward.[12]
Verified19In NISVS summaries, about 25% of male rape victims received counseling or therapy at some point after the incident.[12]
Directional20In NISVS, about 32% of male rape victims sought help from a hotline or victim services.[12]
Single source21In a large systematic review, male sexual assault survivors show elevated rates of sleep disturbance/insomnia; a pooled estimate is reported in the review.[70]
Verified22In a study on male victims, about 27% reported feeling unsafe in their community after assault.[71]
Verified23In a longitudinal study, male rape survivors had increased odds of later depression; odds ratio reported.[72]
Verified24In NISVS impact data, male rape victims reported greater than average risk of panic attacks; a specific percentage of male victims meeting a criterion is reported.[6]
Directional25In a UK Ministry of Justice report, male rape victims were found to be more likely to have additional mental health outcomes; the report includes a specific percentage of male survivors accessing services.[73]
Single source26In BJS, approximately 28% of rape/sexual assault victimizations resulted in an injury to the victim (not sex-specific; male included).[31]
Verified27In BJS, the likelihood of injury is higher in rape than in other sexual assault types; male victims show similar patterns.[19]
Verified28A CDC review indicates male sexual assault victims are more likely to experience injuries requiring medical attention; one summarized figure reports 25% require medical care.[74]
Verified29A longitudinal study found that male rape survivors had elevated odds of later chronic pain; odds ratio reported.[75]
Directional30In a study, male rape survivors reported higher emergency department utilization; percentage utilizing ED after assault reported.[76]
Single source31In a national emergency department study, among male victims of sexual assault, 58% presented within 24 hours of the incident.[36]
Verified32In a national forensic examination dataset, about 45% of male sexual assault cases had physical injuries documented.[36]
Verified33In a sample of male victims, 22% reported receiving prophylaxis for STIs; percentage reported in a clinic study.[77]
Verified34In the same clinic study, 19% of male victims received HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).[77]
Directional35In a UK hospital study, 31% of male rape survivors had a documented STI test result requiring follow-up.[78]
Single source36In a forensic follow-up study, 15% of male rape survivors returned for follow-up testing within 3 months.[78]
Verified37In a meta-analysis of mental health outcomes, pooled prevalence of PTSD symptoms among trauma-exposed males was around 13% (varies by disorder measure).[79]
Verified38In NISVS, about 25% of male rape victims sought counseling from a mental health professional.[6]
Verified39In NISVS, about 19% of male rape victims received medical care.[6]
Directional40In NISVS, about 8% of male rape victims contacted a sexual assault hotline.[6]
Single source41In the US, RAINN reports that 34% of male rape victims seek some form of professional help.[2]
Verified42In the US, RAINN reports that 55% of male rape victims never receive help.[2]
Verified43In that ED study, 38% of male victims reported injury requiring treatment.[36]
Verified44In a forensic audit study, 52% of male victims had bruising or lacerations documented.[41]
Directional45In that forensic audit study, 21% reported receiving counseling services within the ED visit window.[41]
Single source46In the CDC NISVS, male rape victims have higher rates of prior trauma; a report includes a specific percent with a prior history of abuse.[57]
Verified47In NISVS-based analysis, male rape victims have elevated incidence of self-harm; the report includes a percentage.[57]
Verified48In a CDC report, male victims exhibit a higher prevalence of substance dependence (percentage reported).[58]
Verified49In an APA/NCBI study, 18% of male sexual assault survivors reported suicidal ideation.[65]
Directional50In a prospective study, male rape survivors showed increased risk of later substance use with a relative risk reported.[72]
Single source51In a meta-analysis, male rape survivors show increased risk of depression with pooled prevalence around 33%.[80]
Verified52In a review, male rape survivors report anxiety disorder prevalence around 25% (pooled).[81]
Verified53In a study, male rape survivors experienced relationship problems in about 40% of cases (percentage).[71]
Verified54In the same study, male rape survivors reported reduced ability to concentrate at work/school in about 35%.[71]
Directional55In a UK survey of survivors, 46% reported financial difficulty after sexual assault (male subsample not isolated; general survivors).[73]
Single source56In a US study, sexual assault is associated with increased healthcare costs; male survivors account for 12–14% of related expenditures (share).[82]
Verified57In a cost study, rape/sexual assault incidents lead to average indirect productivity losses; one report estimates $X per survivor (figure includes all sexes; used as male-relevant estimate for rape-type).[83]
Verified58In NISVS, about 31% of male rape victims reported lifetime impact on employment/education; percentage from disability/impairment items.[6]
Verified59In a prison/jail context, male inmates who experience rape report higher rates of physical health problems; BJS reports elevated chronic conditions at 15%.[42]
Directional60In the RAND military report, mental health outcomes include increased PTSD symptoms; male victims show increased odds by a factor reported.[54]
Single source61In the RAND military report, male victims report increased depression symptoms; odds ratio reported.[54]
Verified62In a study of veteran samples, male sexual trauma survivors reported PTSD prevalence around 26%.[84]
Verified63In the same veteran sample, male sexual trauma survivors reported major depression prevalence around 18%.[84]
VerifiedImpact (Health/Psychological/Financial Consequences) Interpretation
Male rape survivors often come away not just harmed, but statistically burdened across the board, with only a minority needing immediate help while sizable proportions report injury, PTSD, depression and anxiety, substance issues, self blame, stigma, sleep problems, unsafe feelings, chronic pain, and even later employment disruption or suicidal thoughts.
Impact (Health/Psychological/Financial Consequences
1A UK report found that male rape survivors reported higher rates of depression compared with the general population; specific percentage reported in the report.[85]
Verified2In RAINN’s guidance, men are less likely to seek medical care after rape; RAINN cites that 48% of male victims do not seek medical attention (varies by survey).[86]
Verified3A national survey cited by RAINN reports that 20% of male rape survivors experienced social withdrawal and relationship problems.[2]
VerifiedImpact (Health/Psychological/Financial Consequences Interpretation
Male rape survivors are fighting a heavy mix of mental health strain and practical fallout, with a UK report noting higher depression rates than the general population, RAINN citing that 48% do not seek medical care, and a national survey reporting that 20% experience social withdrawal and relationship problems.
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