Violence against boys: What gives?

Background: Traditionally, global efforts to curb violence in various settings provide support to the female population at risk. A national study on violence against children in 2015 showed that the prevalence of violence... [ view full abstract ]

Background: Traditionally, global efforts to curb violence in various settings provide support to the female population at risk. A national study on violence against children in 2015 showed that the prevalence of violence against Filipino boys aged 13-24 years was higher than girls. In the Philippine culture, male victimization, specifically with regard to sexual violence is not yet a well-accepted phenomenon, mainly because of some cultural values that include the notion of machismo.
Objectives: This paper focuses on the results of a follow-up phenomenological study that aimed to obtain information on the lived experiences of young males who were victims of interpersonal violence at home, in school, in the community and during dating.
Methods: Key informant interviews were conducted with experts. Focus group discussions were participated in by groups of males classified by age, educational status and gender. From these groups, a selected number were interviewed indepth inerviews.
Results: Respondents agreed that boys are vulnerable to sexual abuse. Perpetrators of sexual abuse varied: from gays to older women and girlfriends. Family members can also perpetrate the abuse but majority mentioned strangers, neighbors and community leaders. Unwanted touching was most common, although more serious sexual assaults happen either through physical means, verbal insistence or threats, drunkenness and bribery. There were cases when the encounter was initially consensual but became abusive, and vice versa.
Discussion: The analysis emphasized the need to look at sexual abuse among boys as a matter of differential masculinities that make some more vulnerable. It also provided insights on the changing social norms on sexuality and sexual behavior among young people as influenced by advancement in technology, migration, and global liberalism on sexual matters.
Conclusion: Indeed, young males are vulnerable to any form of sexual violence. Programs must be instituted to protect and ensure their health and safety.