Examining male sexual violence and victimization using previously untested sexual assault kits (via the SAK Initiative): Part 1, male victims

TY - JOUR

T1 - Examining male sexual violence and victimization using previously untested sexual assault kits (via the SAK Initiative): Part 1, male victims

AU - Lovell, Rachel

AU - Widanaralalage, B. Kennath

AU - Sabo, Danielle

PY - 2025/2/19

Y1 - 2025/2/19

N2 - Purpose: Despite substantial rates of male sexual victimization, male victims are less likely to seek help post-victimization compared to female victims, which has resulted in a lack of large-scale quantitative studies in this area. This study, as the first in a two-part series, investigates the victimology patterns of male sexual assault victims, focusing on key elements of Routine Activities Theory: victim characteristics (suitable targets) and the circumstances of assaults (lack of capable guardianship).Design/methodology/approach: The study utilizes a sample of 2,251 previously untested sexual assault kits from two neighboring urban jurisdictions in the U.S., spanning approximately 25 years. Among these, 94 (4%) kits involved male victims. Quantitative analysis was conducted using Chi-square tests of independence, supplemented by qualitative coding of police report narratives.Findings: The analysis outlines the victimology profiles of male victims who accessed this post-victimization service and the contextual factors surrounding their assaults. The findings also provide valuable insights into the potential barriers faced by male victims who do not seek help, thereby expanding understanding of this under-researched population.Originality: This study offers a unique contribution by analyzing data from previously untested sexual assault kits, shedding light on the characteristics and experiences of male victims. As the first in a two-part series, it focuses on victimology patterns, while the second paper explores offender characteristics in cases involving male victims. Together, these papers address significant gaps in the literature on male sexual assault and barriers to help-seeking.

AB - Purpose: Despite substantial rates of male sexual victimization, male victims are less likely to seek help post-victimization compared to female victims, which has resulted in a lack of large-scale quantitative studies in this area. This study, as the first in a two-part series, investigates the victimology patterns of male sexual assault victims, focusing on key elements of Routine Activities Theory: victim characteristics (suitable targets) and the circumstances of assaults (lack of capable guardianship).Design/methodology/approach: The study utilizes a sample of 2,251 previously untested sexual assault kits from two neighboring urban jurisdictions in the U.S., spanning approximately 25 years. Among these, 94 (4%) kits involved male victims. Quantitative analysis was conducted using Chi-square tests of independence, supplemented by qualitative coding of police report narratives.Findings: The analysis outlines the victimology profiles of male victims who accessed this post-victimization service and the contextual factors surrounding their assaults. The findings also provide valuable insights into the potential barriers faced by male victims who do not seek help, thereby expanding understanding of this under-researched population.Originality: This study offers a unique contribution by analyzing data from previously untested sexual assault kits, shedding light on the characteristics and experiences of male victims. As the first in a two-part series, it focuses on victimology patterns, while the second paper explores offender characteristics in cases involving male victims. Together, these papers address significant gaps in the literature on male sexual assault and barriers to help-seeking.

M3 - Article

JO - Journal of Criminal Psychology

JF - Journal of Criminal Psychology

ER -