Patterns of sexual assault among male victims—19 years of insight from a Specialized Assault Center

Background: Sexual assault is a major public health issue, with a reported prevalence of 7–22% in the general population. Although Sexual Assault Centers (SACs) offer comprehensive care to all victims, males account for only 5–10% of reported cases, likely due to underreporting influenced by shame. Limited data exist regarding the characteristics of male sexual assault. This study aims to examine the characteristics of male victims and the assault they experience and compare them to those of female victims. Methods: A 19-year retrospective cohort study was conducted on all patients treated in Israel at the SAC of Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Data on victim demographics and assault characteristics were collected. Comparative analyses were performed between male and female victims including sub-analyses of underaged victims. Results: Among 4719 sexual assault cases, 450 (9.5%) involved male victims. All victims were perpetrated by males. Male victims were younger than their female counterparts (21 ± 12.4 years old vs. 23 ± 10.7 years old, p value < 0.001) and they were more likely to have cognitive impairment or mental disorders. Alcohol use was less common among males (23% vs. 37%, p value < 0.001), and this remained significant after adjusting for victim’s age. Male assaults occurred more frequently in public settings and during daytime hours. Males were also more likely to press charges. Analysis of 1314 underaged victims, including 181 males, found no gender difference in incapacitation rates. Conclusions: The male victims that refer to the SAC are younger, more likely to have cognitive impairment or mental disorders, and less likely to have consumed alcohol before the assault compared to their female counterparts. After being treated in a SAC, men report assaults more frequently than females. These findings emphasize the need for specified support services and prevention strategies for vulnerable male populations.