California Male Sexual Abuse Survivors Attorney

A young man clutches his head in his hands as he contemplates reaching out to a California male sexual assault survivor attorney.
Men are less likely to come forward after experiencing sexual trauma. Every survivor deserves to be heard and validated.
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Jessica K. Pride
Jessica K. Pride

What Is Considered Male Sexual Abuse?

Male sexual abuse encompasses a range of non-consensual sexual assaults or activities inflicted upon boys or men. It involves any form of unwanted sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the individual's consent or against their will. 

Male sexual abuse can include but is not limited to:

  • Non-consensual sexual touching or groping
  • Forced or coerced sexual acts, such as oral sex or intercourse
  • Penetration of any orifice on the body without consent (also known as rape)
  • Sexual exploitation, including grooming, pornography, or sex trafficking
  • Sexual harassment, such as unwelcome advances, comments, or gestures
  • Inappropriate sexual behavior by authority figures, caregivers, or trusted individuals
  • Ritualistic abuse involving sexual acts (such as fraternity hazing)

The impact of male sexual abuse can be profound, leading to physical, emotional, and psychological trauma for the survivor. Seeking support, justice, and healing is crucial for those who have experienced male sexual abuse. Our lawyers can help facilitate that journey with compassion and professionalism. 

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Male sexual abuse can occur at any age and in different settings, such as youth groups, religious institutions, workplaces, by instructors, or in public spaces. It can also be complicated in instances involving a man’s health or addictions, his prison or immigration status, or his gay or trans identity. 

None of these intersecting factors mean you are any less deserving of justice — our attorneys know how to overcome these challenges on your behalf.

At The Pride Law Firm, we understand the personal, traumatic nature of sexual assault. Jessica Pride has nearly 2 decades of experience helping survivors seek justice. We provide sexual assault survivors with the trusting, confidential, and compassionate atmosphere they need to heal.

When you are ready to take the first step, we are ready to listen. Contact us at (619) 516-8166 for a fully confidential consultation.

"Jessica helped me through a dark time that I won't go into detail here. But for those of you who are, and there are so many, be sure to speak with her. With the wave of emotions I was feeling it was difficult to ask anyone a question, especially in private.  

Jessica was honest that it was not an easy process to file a lawsuit, but it was necessary to stop this from happening to someone else…Since the case was finalized life has been SO better and I feel like I've been able to move on. Much praise and love for Jess and her caring team!"

- ANONYMOUS

What Are the Long-Term Costs of Sexual Abuse for Men?

Sexual abuse can have significant long-term costs for men, impacting various aspects of their lives. Here are some common long-term effects that male survivors of sexual abuse may experience:

  • Psychological: Sexual abuse can lead to long-lasting psychological effects, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, depression, low self-esteem, feelings of guilt and shame, disordered eating, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation.
  • Physical: Survivors of sexual abuse may experience physical health issues resulting from the abuse, or as a consequence of trauma-related sexual dysfunction — persistent difficulties with arousal, erectile disorders, performance anxiety, loss of sexual desire, or discomfort or aversion to sexual activities.
  • Interpersonal: Survivors of sexual abuse may struggle with establishing and maintaining healthy relationships. Trust issues, difficulties with intimacy and vulnerability, fear of intimacy, and challenges with establishing boundaries can affect a man’s ability to form and sustain emotional connections.

It is important to remember that each survivor's experience is unique, and the long-term effects can vary based on a person’s age or other circumstances. Seeking support, therapy, and specialized trauma-informed care can assist male survivors in addressing these injuries and working toward healing and recovery. A lawsuit may be your best path to access the funds needed to afford the care you deserve.

sexual assault on men statistic

How Common Is Sexual Assault on Men?

According to official health sources, sexual assault against men is a significant issue in the United States. Some statistics on male sexual assault include: 

  • About 1 in 4 men in the U.S. have experienced some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetime.
  • Roughly 1 in 14 men have been made to penetrate someone during their lifetime. 
  • More than 1 in 38 men in the U.S. have experienced completed or attempted rape victimization in their lifetime. 

Each one of these figures represents a boy or man who has been violated, traumatized, and in many instances left struggling to understand what happened to him or where he should turn for help. Our attorneys are one of the frontline resources you can contact right away for legal advice and relevant support.

What Makes it Harder for Male Survivors to Come Forward?

If you know a male relative, friend, or significant other who has experienced sexual abuse, it’s important to encourage them to come forward. We at The Pride Law Firm will do our best to give them resources to heal from that level of trauma and betrayal–including legal representation. Reach out online or by phone at (619) 516-8166.

Male survivors of sexual abuse often face numerous challenges that make it difficult for them to come forward. These obstacles are deeply rooted in societal norms, psychological impacts, and systemic issues within the legal system.

One of the primary barriers is societal stigma. Traditional notions of masculinity often discourage men from expressing vulnerability or acknowledging victimization. 

The belief that men should be strong and self-reliant can lead to feelings of shame and embarrassment for those who have been abused. This societal pressure significantly impacts a male survivor's willingness to report their abuse and seek help.

Fear of Not Being Believed

Male survivors may fear that their reports will not be taken seriously. This fear is compounded by stereotypes suggesting that men cannot be survivors of sexual violence or should have been able to defend themselves. 

Such stereotypes can make male survivors feel that their experiences will be dismissed or minimized by authorities and peers alike. Studies have shown that male survivors are less likely to disclose their experiences compared to females, partly due to this fear of disbelief and judgment.

Psychologically, male survivors may struggle with internalized guilt and confusion about their experiences. They might question their masculinity or feel responsible for the abuse. 

These feelings can be exacerbated by the nature of the abuse, especially if it involved someone they knew and trusted. The psychological impact of such abuse can lead to long-term mental health issues, further discouraging survivors from coming forward.

Legal and Systemic Challenges

From a legal perspective, the justice system itself can be a barrier. There is often a bias towards recognizing female survivors, which can make it more challenging for male survivors to obtain justice. 

Our California male sexual assault survivors lawyers have experience representing male survivors and know how to navigate these biases to ensure their clients receive fair treatment. 

We know addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including increasing public awareness, educating law enforcement and legal professionals, and providing targeted support for male survivors of sexual abuse.

Contact Sexual Assault Attorneys for Men

It is essential to understand that male sexual abuse is a severe violation of an individual's rights, and can have profound physical, emotional, and psychological consequences. Men also experience unique gender-specific challenges due to social stigmas surrounding masculinity, and the sometimes exclusionary nature of survivor resources developed primarily for women and girls.

Pursuing a personal injury lawsuit could help vindicate your reputation, spur consequences to those who harmed you, and provide financial support for medical treatments, lost wages, or other damages you’ve suffered.

Why Hire a California Male Sexual Assault Survivors Lawyer?

Our firm has years of experience delivering successful results for clients who thought justice might be out of reach for any number of reasons — they were intoxicated at the time, or imprisoned, or undocumented, or maligned by their abuser. Male assault survivors often have similar doubts that they won’t be believed, or that their injuries will not be recognized as valid, but the law is on your side and so are we.

Contact The Pride Law Firm at (619) 516-8166 for a dedicated fighter for all sexual assault survivors. Our team is ready to hear your story, help you assess your options, and jump into action to secure the justice you deserve. If you prefer to speak to a male about your experience, founding partner Dante Pride is also available for free consultations.

Don’t count yourself out — sexual assault recovery resources belong to men too, as does your access to justice and healing.

Proudly Representing California Residents

Male Sexual Abuse Frequently Asked Questions

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Can a man be sexually assaulted by a woman?

Yes, a man can be sexually assaulted by a woman. Sexual assault is not limited to any specific gender combination, and it can occur when someone is forced or coerced into engaging in sexual activity without their consent. It is important to recognize and support all survivors of sexual assault, regardless of their gender or the identity of the perpetrator.

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Does sexual assault affect men differently than women?‍

Men who experience sexual assault may face unique struggles when it comes to societal attitudes and perceptions surrounding their victimhood. There can be a stigma associated with male victimization leading to disbelief, ridicule, or a lack of support from friends, family, and other community members. Additionally, reporting rates for male survivors may be lower due to conventional expectations of masculinity, which can make it challenging for them to seek help and support.

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Why are men less likely to report sexual assault compared to women?‍

Men are often less likely to report sexual assault due to various factors such as stigma, societal expectations, fear of judgment, disbelief, and misconceptions about male victimization. Underreporting can make it challenging to obtain accurate statistics, and isolates those who’ve experienced sexual misconduct from the self-care and support resources they’re entitled to benefit from.

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How long do men have to file a sexual assault lawsuit?

The deadline for filing a sexual assault lawsuit depends on your state. The Pride Law Firm is located in San Diego, where California law allows survivors to file a claim within ten years from the date of the sexual assault. There may also be an extended period known as a “lookback window” for survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

Contact our attorneys at (619) 516-8166 for questions and timeframes related to your specific circumstances before the clock runs out. The truth is, male sexual assault survivors face their own unique set of challenges, especially when it comes to reporting their assault. The following are a few main reasons why men don’t often share when they’ve been assaulted.

“I just received the self-care package from your team, when I opened the box and read the letter from you all, it felt like a hug came right out of the box. Thank you so much, it meant so much to me.”

– Client of Jessica Pride –

“I am also hopeful and beyond grateful that my voice is being heard! So I want to say thank you Jessica and Christy, for giving me a voice when I felt mine didn’t matter. You guys are truly angels fighting a great cause. I am forever grateful! Thank you so much!”

– Client of Jessica Pride –

“Jessica has been the epitome of the word excellent. She is always easy to talk to and very approachable. Always directly available. Very truthful and efficient. I highly recommend her and her team!!”

– Client of Jessica Pride –

“Your compassion, humility, and fierce advocacy, are the qualities that make you the incredible rockstar attorney that you are. We’re with you in this fight!”

– Client of Jessica Pride –

“I’m graduating with a finance degree. I just wanted to say thank you for fighting for me. Turns out, I was able to put the pieces together.”

– Client of Jessica Pride –

“I just received the self-care package from your team, when I opened the box and read the letter from you all, it felt like a hug came right out of the box. Thank you so much, it meant so much to me.”

– Client of Jessica Pride –

“I am also hopeful and beyond grateful that my voice is being heard! So I want to say thank you Jessica and Christy, for giving me a voice when I felt mine didn’t matter. You guys are truly angels fighting a great cause. I am forever grateful! Thank you so much!”

– Client of Jessica Pride –

“Jessica has been the epitome of the word excellent. She is always easy to talk to and very approachable. Always directly available. Very truthful and efficient. I highly recommend her and her team!!”

– Client of Jessica Pride –

“Your compassion, humility, and fierce advocacy, are the qualities that make you the incredible rockstar attorney that you are. We’re with you in this fight!”

– Lauren Betters (Gender Equality Law Center, NYC) –

“I’m graduating with a finance degree. I just wanted to say thank you for fighting for me. Turns out, I was able to put the pieces together.”

– Client of Jessica Pride –

“I just received the self-care package from your team, when I opened the box and read the letter from you all, it felt like a hug came right out of the box. Thank you so much, it meant so much to me.”

– Client of Jessica Pride –

“I am also hopeful and beyond grateful that my voice is being heard! So I want to say thank you Jessica and Christy, for giving me a voice when I felt mine didn’t matter. You guys are truly angels fighting a great cause. I am forever grateful! Thank you so much!”

– Client of Jessica Pride –