April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This month will feature multiple events and advertisements to educate people on sexual violence and those affected by it. A lot of these campaigns mainly focus on the effects of sexual violence on women, which makes sense, considering 1 in 5 women have experienced violence in their lifetimes. Unfortunately, this usually means men are left out of the movement and are sometimes even stereotyped as only being the perpetrators and never the victims of sexual violence.

It’s estimated that currently 22 million men have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime. It’s also estimated that only 30 percent of sexual assault incidents are actually reported to the authorities. Many men feel it is extremely difficult to report the assault because of the stereotype that a man would never say no to sex, nor would feel uncomfortable with someone making sexual advances toward him. Some men are even made fun of for reporting the assault because it’s “not manly."

A lot of ads geared towards sexual violence only show men as the perpetrator. Not only does this promote an unhealthy idea that men can never be the victim, but it can make men who are victims of sexual assault feel their assault isn’t as important as women’s. It’s difficult for women to report any sexual violence without being blamed or questioned, but for men, it can be even more difficult, because of stereotypes and misconceptions.

A feminist is someone who fights for the equality of both women and men. I feel as a feminist it is important to speak up for both women and men who experience sexual violence. Boys shouldn’t feel as if they can never be the victims of sexual violence, and they certainly shouldn’t feel too scared to report any incidents that make them feel uncomfortable.

It’s common for people to brush male victims and their experiences under the rug because it’s more common for women to experience sexual assault. Some even feel talking about males victims of sexual violence will deter from female victims, so they avoid the subject. In my opinion, worrying about gender roles deters from the issue of sexual violence more than anything else. Nobody should feel questioned or blamed for their assault because of their gender, whether girls are being asked what they were wearing or if boys are being asked why they wouldn’t want to have sex.

Sexual violence can happen to anyone of any age, gender or sexuality. It is important to spread awareness on all levels and to speak out for the masses rather than leaving out one group. We can fight sexual assault and violence better together. We need to advocate for our sisters, brothers, friends and family alike.