When Victims Become Abusers: A Study Among the Male Victims of Child Sexual Abuse in Bangladesh

There are substantial mental health consequences for male child sexual abuse (MCSA) victims. Survivors may exhibit sexually offensive actions because of this trauma. In other words, the abused becomes an abuser. In Bangladesh, MCSA is an invisible social problem. This study aimed to assess sexually offensive behaviors among victims of MCSA and to determine the associated factors. A total of 540 victims participated in an online survey as part of a cross-sectional study. Data were collected on victimization, suicidal ideation, history of offense, and sociodemographic factors. Pearson chi-square test and a binary logistic regression were employed to assess significant factors. Results revealed that 63.2% of participants reported engaging in sexually offensive behavior. Those living in villages, unmarried, experienced repetitive sexual abuse, under 13 years old at the time of abuse, experienced physical abuse concurrently, being penetrated during abuse, not disclosing the abuse, not receiving psychological assistance, having significant sexual involvement with men, and experiencing suicidal ideation were more likely to exhibit sexually offensive behaviors. The study underscores the importance of policymakers implementing relevant policies to safeguard boys. In addition, it emphasizes the need for victims to disclose instances of sexual abuse and actively seek psychological intervention.