The average age of male victims in Dane County is 12. Other studies suggest that the number of sexual assault victims may be even higher. The number of assaults reported for males may be especially low because survivors fear that they will be met with both homophobic reactions and disbelief. When males, rather than females, are assaulted, there tend to be some different patterns surrounding the circumstances of the assault. Boys tend to be sexually assaulted at an earlier age than are girls.
Boys are also more likely to be physically abused in addition to the sexual abuse.
Boys are commonly abused by people that they know and trust but who are not family members. The vast majority of those who perpetrate sexual assault are heterosexual males. It is also possible for gay men to be assaulted by their partners. Male survivors often feel very isolated. A man may wonder if he is the only one to have experienced this type of assault.