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Research: The Aftermath of Childhood Sexual Abuse in Men
(04/29/2006) by Sandra Leiblum and Rachel Fite
Sexual abuse of children and adolescents is a continuing and difficult problem in our society. The aftermath of sexual abuse is varied, but often includes somatic, psychological, relationship and trust difficulties. While there is a significant and growing body of research looking at the short and long-term aftermath of childhood sexual abuse (CSA), the majority of this work has focused on female victims.
Recently, there has been a flood of allegations of sexual victimization of young boys by members of the clergy. Little is known with any certainty about the long-term impact of clergy abuse, or even, the aftermath of sexual abuse of boys and adolescents by non-clergy perpetrators. We believe that there may be greater trauma associated with abuse by members of the clergy than by non-clergy perpetrators, since the former are often trusted, idealized and even viewed as a symbol of God or one’s faith.
Childhood sexual abuse is often unreported (Summit, 1983). Oft-cited community prevalence figures are approximately 33% for girls under the age of 18 and 5 – 10% of boys the same age (Finkelhor, 1994). While these estimates are for contact abuse and exclude behaviors such as exhibitionism, voyeurism and pornography-exposure, abuse may vary from frottage to fondling to forced vaginal, oral or anal penetration.
Some or all of the following sexual problems have been reported for men with histories of CSA: compulsive sexual behavior, sexually aggressive behavior, multiple sexual partners, fear and sexual avoidance, erectile problems, premature ejaculation, retarded ejaculation, fetishism and sadomasochism (Dhaliwal, Gauzas, Antonowicz and Ross 1996; Dimock, 1988; Loeb et al., 2002).
Examining the results of their qualitative study of men with a history of CSA, Gill and Tutty (1999) argue that men’s sexual problems arise from the difficulty in forming stable relationships and integrating sex and emotional intimacy in adulthood. A common belief is that one will be used, manipulated or abused in an intimate relationship. Other problems include establishing trust and stability in a relationship (Dimock, 1988). Poor boundaries and sexually provocative behavior with others, including health care professionals have been noted (Courtois, 1993; McCarty, Roberts, & Hendrikson, 1996).
There does not appear to be a causal relationship between sexual orientation and sexual abuse history for men although gender identity confusion, internalized homophobia and ambiguity regarding sexual orientation have been noted in sexually abused boys (Dimock, 1988; Loeb et al., 2002). Many men have also reported feeling confused about their masculinity, as being a victim is not considered part of a stereotypic masculine identity (Dimock, 1988; Gill & Tutty, 1999).
The UMDNJ has developed an internet-based questionnaire for men who have been sexually abused as children or adolescents. The study is designed to investigate the unique aspects and aftermath of male sexual abuse. This is important so that clinicians can be more sensitive and more effective in treating victims of childhood sexual abuse by both clergy and non-clergy perpetrators.
Any male reader who qualifies for this study and is interested in participating is invited to click on the link posted below to go directly to the secure website located at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School – UMDNJ. At that site, you will be given information and contacts if you have any questions about the study. You may participate directly from that link.
www.safe.umdnj.edu/csa.
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