Annie’s Mailbox: Help available for male rape victims

Dear Annie: Male rape is a subject that is seldom mentioned. A close and dear male friend (in his late 40s) was severely raped twice. He was kidnapped from his residence, drugged, sodomized and left naked on the first occasion, and then his residence was broken into, and he was tied up and raped a second time. The general public may think this is rare and unusual. Not as much as you’d believe.

After the attacks, my friend was examined in a hospital, and a rape kit was done. He then began attending support groups sponsored by different church organizations. He was surprised to learn that hundreds of other men have undergone similar experiences.

My friend later saw one of the perpetrators shopping in a well-known store and immediately called his local investigating officer. The officer told him, “He has the right to shop in that store just as you do.” The local authorities have no sympathy for male rape. The FBI has a division to cover violent crimes, but they mainly focus on female rape. Somehow, male rape is an untouchable subject.

I am writing you to ask that you refer victims of such crimes to a protection agency that will go to bat for them. Will you publish this letter to generate responses for other victims? This sort of crime needs to be explored, publicized, exposed by news agencies and brought to the attention of someone who cares. – California

Dear California: It is estimated that 10 percent of all sexual assault victims are male. And while that is a lower number than for women, it is still considerable, and the victims should receive the same respect from the authorities. All rape victims, male or female, can find support through RAINN ( rainn.org) or by calling their hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE ( ohl.rainn.org/online). For advocacy in bringing this subject to the attention of the public, please contact MaleSurvivor.org.