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Sexual assault & sexual abuse: the big picture for men
"Every woman and girl in this country, almost on a daily basis, orders her life around the threat of men's violence. This is a pervasive reality in women's lives: the fear of rape, and the limitations on women's freedoms as a result of fearing men. It's omnipresent, and as a result, in a sense hidden in plain sight."
Grim statistic
Despite ongoing efforts to prevent sexual assault in Canada, statistics have remained the same over the years. More than half of all reported sexual assaults take place in the survivor's own home, or within 1.6 kilometres of it. Another 20% happen in the home of a friend, neighbor or relative.
Who are the victims?
- 1 out of every 3 Canadian women
- 1 out of every 10 men (according to U.S. statistical data)
- 1 out of every 4 Canadian girls under the age of 17
- 1 out of every 9 Canadian boys under the age of 17
Male sexual assault
- Men are the perpetrators in the large majority of sexual abuse and sexual assault cases involving male victims.
- Despite popular belief, most male perpetrators identify themselves as heterosexual, and they often have sexual relationships with women.
- The reporting rate for male victims is even lower than the already-low rate for females.
- The biggest reason for not reporting male sexual assault: the fear of being perceived as homosexual.
The justice system
In Canada and elsewhere, the reporting rate for sexual abuse and sexual assault is disturbingly low. Less than 1 in 10 incidents are ever reported to police.
When the huge number of unreported incidents of sexual abuse and sexual assault are factored in, only about 1.5% of offenders will ever spend a day in jail.
"The threat of sexual violence is a pervasive part of women's lives...and whether or not a woman has already been victimized by a man -- and millions have -- the threat of men's violence is an omnipresent reality in women's lives...Men who claim to care about women, social justice or simple decency need to figure out what they can do about this horrendous problem."