A qualitative investigation of service providers’ experiences supporting raped and sexually abused men

Substantial gaps remain in our understanding of the risks and barriers that exist for men affected by rape and sexual abuse. The present research utilised semi-structured interviews with twelve service providers from specialist organisations in the UK. An interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) revealed three superordinate themes: i) survivors’ needs for agency, safety, and control as functions of their masculinity, ii) the impact of rape myths and their challenge to therapeutic intervention, and iii) survivors’ expectations around reporting and the police. The role of masculinity and social stigma permeated participants’ accounts, with negative stereotypes and male rape myths influencing reporting, access to services, and survivors’ coping mechanisms. Results are discussed in relation to current service provision within the UK, and avenues for improvement are suggested