Male victims experience a number of physical symptoms similar to females. In this same study, female victimized males reported the impact of the abuse to be more severe, possibly as a consequence of experiencing a reversal of stereotyped gender roles which placed the female in the more powerful role. Male anatomy may play a key role in forming this perception. Because male genitalia is external, arousal to direct stimulation is more obvious. Contrary to popular belief, a male can have an erection and achieve orgasm even when fearful.
Many male victims experience difficulties in intimate relationships as a result of being abused.
They have few, if any, close friends, are promiscuous, have difficulty maintaining fidelity with partners, form few secure attachments, and often become involved in short-term, abusive, and dysfunctional relationships. Many experience few emotionally or physically satisfying sexual relationships and sometimes avoid sex altogether. There appears to be some truth to the notion that violence begets violence. There is some evidence to suggest that adults hit as adolescents are more likely to develop depression or engage in suicidal ideation than those who are not hit, regardless of sex, socioeconomic status, drinking problems, marital violence, or whether children witnessed violence between their parents. Straus suggests four consequences of corporal punishment.