Male Help-Seeking After Sexual Assault: A Series of Case Studies Informing Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Practice.

BACKGROUND

A series of three composite case studies of cisgender men who presented to an emergency department for care after experiencing a sexual assault are presented. These cases show common assault characteristics including substance use, force, and multiple perpetrators.

METHODS

We describe the sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) findings and treatment and provide legal details of specific cases when available.

RESULTS

These case reports highlight common challenges to help-seeking and the primary reasons these male victims overcame the barriers to seek care.

DISCUSSION: SANEs are encouraged to provide consistent care to all sexual assault patients, regardless of gender. SANEs have an obligation to educate peers and broader society about sexual assault prevention and to advocate for policies that encourage help-seeking when a sexual assault has occurred.