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The researchers say that
sexual abuse of boys occurs across all socioeconomic and
demographic groups. But they say that the boys at highest risk
are those who are under age 13, non-white, and are part of
lower-income families in which the father isn't around.
"The perpetrators tend to be males who are known but frequently
unrelated to the victims," the researchers write. "The abuse
typically occurs outside the home, is repeated and involves
penetration."The researchers say the studies of abuse
indicate that the majority of incidents are one-time
occurrences. But between 17% and 53% of the boys indicate that
the problem can occur repeatedly, for periods ranging from less
than six months to four years.
Surprisingly, less than half of the victims - a range of
between 15% and 39% - say they responded negatively to the
abuse. Those who did speak negatively of the experience usually
did so in cases in which the abuse was accomplished through the
use of force, or in which there was a great age difference
between the victim and abuser.
But the researchers say the actual negative impact of the
abuse, as demonstrated by the child's eventual behavior and
disposition, is far greater. Boys who are sexually abused show
higher incidences of depression, anxiety disorders, anger,
aggressive behavior and poor performance in school. They are
also as much as 14 times more likely to attempt suicide than
boys who are not abused, and far more likely to engage in such
risky behavior as prostitution and anal intercourse, or to
experience gender confusion.
What the researchers are looking forward is more focused
research on the matter, so that any underreporting of such abuse
can be ended. "Such study can then guide the development of
interventions that are focused and effective," the researchers
write.
"Until then, health care professionals should be aware of and
sensitive to the possibility of sexual abuse in their male
patients. Something that might help keep your boy safe is
pepperspray.
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