Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Understanding Male Sexual Abuse: Why Male Victims Remain Silent



Jamaican born author O'Brien Dennis who gave us The Cries of Men is back with another book on the issue of male sexual abuse. The widespread assumption in society is that men are not as affected by rape and/or rape does not really happen to men. To some extent this myth has received some support in the literature. 


Research on the socialization of men has shown that this “non-reaction” to abuse is an effort to appear masculine rather than a true depiction that men are not as affected by rape as women. Male victims of sexual assault are an often forgotten population–unseen, neglected, and underserved. The following information has been put together so that this population of victims can be better understood and supported.

Social perceptions towards male victims of sexual abuse are coupled with various stereotypes and myths that impact male victims’ ability to face their sexual assault


Cries of Men by Jamaican born author O'Brien Dennis is in it's 6th year or publication books bought from his site will see part proceeds going towards his foundation.

see also: 

Male Sexual Assault Myths ...... "Cries of Men" 6th Anniversary
Male Sexual Assault Myths

Product Description
The best way to understand male sexual abuse is to learn about its survivors. They are the victims, and they have stories to tell.

Author O’Brien Dennis recounts how he was sexually abused as a boy in Jamaica, and he also shares accounts from other men who were abused. By giving them a voice, he unveils how male sexual abuse can so easily happen at the hands of close and trusted family, friends and even strangers.

As you read these intimate stories, you’ll learn how society’s narrow definitions of sexuality and masculinity have conspired to silence male victims, preventing many from speaking up about their abuse. Sexual abuse hurts victims, who may later suffer from drug addiction, sexual dysfunction, self-blame, guilt, and other problems. Male rape is used not only as a form of subjugation but also as a tool for war and dominance in contemporary wars and conflicts.

Male sexual abuse is underreported, and it is estimated that one in six boys is sexually abused before he reaches age sixteen. By Understanding Male Sexual Abuse, it’s possible to start exploring solutions to a terrible problem.

“Dennis calls on policy makers and public administrators to raise their heads from their sheaves of paper and to pay attention to the many men who are victims of rape in prisons or other institutions, and to see that male sexual abuse is more than a public health hazard; rather, it rips at the fabric of society and humanity.”
—Antoine B. Craigwell, journalist

About the Author

O'Brien Dennis was born and raised in Jamaica, where he was a victim of male sexual abuse. As the executive director of the O'Brien Dennis Foundation, he researches sexual abuse and provides a safe haven for survivors and their families. He lives in Westchester County in New York State and is also the author of The Cries of Men: Voices of Jamaican Men Who Have Been Raped and Sexually Abused.

Product Details

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 343 KB
Print Length: 159 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1462016960
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: iUniverse (August 24, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B005LHRJYM


Here is O'Brien on Wendy Williams radio show in 2009 

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