Finally, the author discusses student affairs' role in creating an inclusive environment in which the male survivor can break his silence. My friend sat across our usual table in our familiar coffeeshop. Between sips of coffee, which had the dual role of satisfying a caffeine fit and stalling the conversation, my friend described and shared with me an incident of sexual assault. My friend disclosed a horrific story, complete with all the familiar characteristics of an acquaintance rape. The occurrence of male sexual assault, wherein the victim is male, and the perpetrator is either male or female, has been overlooked by administrators at colleges and universities.
Sexual assault can happen to anyone.
In this respect, it is imperative that we take into account the occurrences of male sexual assault. For many student affairs professionals, this information is not new. However, what is striking is that Simon and Harris also found that one in six college men are victims of sexual assault. Though the occurrence of male sexual assault may be minute compared to the number of assaults reported by women, the findings of these studies suggest that male sexual assault warrants attention. Efforts must be made to understand the effects of male sexual assault so that we, as student affairs professionals, can support the needs of male college students inclusively.