Why I’m researching the hidden sexual crimes women commit against men Last week I launched a new research project focusing on the lived experiences of men who have had “forced to […]

Last week I launched a new research project focusing on the lived experiences of men who have had “forced to penetrate” experiences with women – the first of its kind carried out in the UK.

4.8 per cent of men in the US have been forced to penetrate, according to limited research i's opinion newsletter: talking points from today Email address is invalid Email address is invalid Thank you for subscribing! Sorry, there was a problem with your subscription. 79.2 per cent of these were forced to penetrate by a woman

By “forced to penetrate” I am referring to instances where a man is forced to engage in penile penetration of a woman’s vagina, anus or mouth, without his consent.

These cases are labelled as “forced to penetrate” because, whilst they involve non-consensual sex, they are not legally recognised as rape. The offence of rape can only be committed by men, as there is a requirement of penile penetration of the victim. In “forced to penetrate” cases, the female offender is the one being penetrated by a non-consenting male victim. Examples of such circumstances might include:

A man waking up to find a woman having sex with him without his consent.

A man being forced to have non-consensual sex with a woman as a result of her blackmailing him.

A man having non-consensual sex with a woman after being physically, emotionally, or financially threatened.

Is it physically possible?

The question I’ve been asked most often about this project is whether it is possible for a man to be forced to have sex by a woman without his consent. After all, it requires the man to sustain an erection, which surely he can only do if he is sexually aroused?

It’s easy to forget that getting an erection for a man is simply a physical reaction, often to some sort of stimulation. It does not indicate he is enjoying, or indeed consenting to, the sexual activity that he is engaged in. Indeed, although it is assumed that a man can only sustain and maintain an erection when he is sexually aroused, it has been well documented that men can experience erections in both stressful and violent circumstances.

We find it hard to imagine that men could be victimised by women

Even if it is recognised that a man can physically penetrate a woman without his consent, questions often remain about whether such forced penetration actually occurs. Indeed, the social construction of gender constructs masculinity in such a way that it is difficult, if not nearly impossible, to conceive of men’s victimisation, especially by women.

I am in no way attempting to undermine the experiences of female victims of rape and sexual violence

Men are seen as being physically strong, self-sufficient, and sexually dominant, whereas women are stereotyped as being vulnerable, dependent, and sexually passive. However, in the US, where some research (albeit very limited) has been conducted in relation to this issue, approximately 4.8 per cent of men reported being made to penetrate someone else, with the majority (79.2 per cent) reporting that the perpetrator was a woman.

There is no equivalent research that has been conducted in the UK on men who are “forced to penetrate” women. My project aims to change that, providing a space for men to share their lived experiences (anonymously if they wish) and to have their voices heard by completing an online survey.

Everyone should be heard

The project aims to provide an insight, not only into the actual forced to penetrate experiences of these men, but also the physical and emotional impact of such experiences, as well as considering responses of organisations such as the police, and the men’s friends and families.

I think it’s really important to make the point that in researching this type of sexual violence experienced by men I am in no way attempting to undermine the experiences of female victims of rape and sexual violence. A focus on men does not need to come at the expense of women.

Rather, I am interested in ensuring that all victims of sexual violence, regardless of their sex or gender, have their experiences taken seriously and their voices heard.

If you would like to participate in this research project, please visit: http://wp.lancs.ac.uk/forced-to-penetrate-cases/

Siobhan Weare is a Lecturer in Law at Lancaster University Law School.

