Screaming for help, dazed and confused, where one minute he was having an amazing day, poof, just like that, he was sent to a different place, much darker and colder. Watching a Western film at a movie theater, he walked over to the concession stand at intermission, where suddenly, everything went black. He was deprived of his senses, questioning why he couldn't feel anything.
The next thing he knew; he was back in his seat. He looked around for his buddy, who could possibly have an explanation for him. His friend sat beside him and said he was gone for over forty minutes.
That's when it started—the sweating, the shaking, and, yes, the crying. He was trapped in a horrible memory.
He was groped, touched, and violated. "Let go of me!" he shouted, and the words faded away in the distance like a murmur, just like his will to fight. The next thing he knew, he was thrown up against the wall and choked until the door opened to his aid.
This isn't just any random story, but the story of Steven Wilson, the author of one of the most riveting and emotional non-fiction pieces. Steven is the author of Teetering on a Tightrope: My Bipolar Journey, where he talks about his life since he was nine, leading up to the most horrific day. From suicidal ideations, frequent hospitalization, and other traumas, Steven was diving headlong into bipolar disorder. One of those irreversible traumas was his sexual assault in 1958, which completely altered his life forever.
Steven is among many who are sexually assaulted every single day. With this blog, let's raise awareness and instill a message of hope as the victims teeter on their very own tightrope.
You Are Not Alone
Statistics show that 1 in every 33 men have experienced a completed or attempted rape in their lifetime. This staggering statistic is also dealt with immense stigma. Men who have experienced sexual assault tend to have a challenging time expressing their feelings due to the shame and fear surrounding them. One of the most common stereotypes that contribute to this trauma is the claim that men can't have unwanted sexual experiences with both men and women. Where statistics do show men having a lesser chance of being involved in unwanted sexual experiences, the double standard that surrounds the claim is the problem.
The effects surrounding male sexual assault are as follows:
Emotional Trauma
Needless to say, sexual assault has major emotional repercussions for men. In a society where men are expected to stay physically and emotionally strong, it is difficult for a victim to be vulnerable about their experience. A sense of shame contributes to the feeling of not being good enough.
Victims may also experience PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), which affects relationships with others. Men may become anti-social, depressed, anxious, and experience panic attacks that hinder their day-to-day errands. Furthermore, the mental damage also limits men's ability to perform sexually with their partners, significantly affecting their self-esteem.
Physical Trauma
Reports suggest that acts of sexual violence against men tend to be incredibly violent. The most common form of injury is damage to soft tissue, specifically the anal or perineal areas. Studies also suggest that 63% of men who are anally penetrated during rape report rectal injuries. Furthermore, there is also a significant chance of infection with STDs, specifically HIV.
Steven Wilson's book is a testimony, a step forward as you teeter on the tightrope, looking at your destination with hope. He invites you and many others to come forward and talk about your traumas, for you are not alone. His book is an attempt to educate society on sexual assault and how to cope with disorder and dysfunction. Find a companion in him on your journey toward a full and productive life by clicking on the link.
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