Stigma and Isolation

Male sexual assault survivors on college campuses face barriers to disclosure, support, and recovery due to stigma, societal expectations of masculinity, and inadequate institutional resources. This hermeneutic phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of six male survivors of sexual assault enrolled in college, focusing on their perceptions of sexual violence before and after their assault, the psychological burden of disclosure, and their experiences with available support systems. Participants described challenges including rape myths, feelings of isolation, fear of emasculation, and limited access to gender-inclusive resources. While online communities provided some support, institutional services often failed to meet their needs due to confidentiality concerns, a lack of male-specific resources, and policies that prioritized female survivors. Findings suggest that improving awareness, comprehensive sex education, and the development of survivor-centered, gender-inclusive resources could foster a more supportive environment for male survivors. These insights underscored the necessity for institutional reform to address gaps in mental health services, legal support, and survivor advocacy tailored to the experiences of male sexual assault survivors in higher education settings.