The aim of this literature is to critically evaluate and analyse the given theoretical case history of Michael, seeking therapy due to precipitated post-traumatic crisis, linking to rape trauma endured twenty years ago. Relevant materials identifying difference of female rape to male rape, social myths, prevalence rates, factors preventing reporting, lacking support system, empirical research, and the long-term psychological effects, requires in-depth understanding of male rape trauma to establish an appropriate therapeutic approach.
Literature Review
Prevalence of negative attitude towards male rape differ from western and eastern countries, ranging at 18.3% (United Kingdom) to 29.5% (Canada) and 32.9% (Hong Kong) to 51.5% (Malaysia) Ward,
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Deeply entrenched attitudes of appropriate sexual and social roles keep male rape victims silent (Miller, 1983). (Groth & Burgess, 1980; Krueger 1985) reiterated that male rape victims are too humiliated and embarrassed to admit being overpowered, succumbing to self-blame for failing to defend themselves and fear being labelled as homosexual, further explains as to why Michael did not report his rape to police. Unwillingness to disclose men’s victimization relates closely to their reluctance of admission to vulnerability (Huckle, 1995; Stanko & Hodbell, 1993), shame and embarrasment (Mezey & King, 1989; Hillman et al., 1991; Walker, 1993). The male rape coping strategy is characterized by a protective response mechanism structured as ‘denial’ of an intolerable situation, prone to future psychiatric issues (Mezey, 1987). We observe this denial in Michael, whereby he explained the cuts and bruising to family and friends as resulting from a fight he had won to maintain his dignity in their view. Psychological impact of male rape could cause emotional, behavioural and somatic consequences in the immediate and long term effects. Michael still ruminates in this dissociation though there is significant time lapse of twenty years since the rape. Walker, (1993) stated, short and long term (Coxell, 1996) psychological effects and supported by the gender role expectation of inappropriateness of males to express emotions besides anger (Janoff – Bulman, 1989, Kaufman et al., 1980) explains Michael’s