The unspoken problem in Israel: men also suffer from sexual violence

Neta Patrick, director of the Center for Assistance to Victims of Violence, raises the issue of sexual violence against men in Israel, based on a new study: 84% acknowledge the problem, but only 20% consider it widespread. Since October 7, calls to the helpline have increased by 81%.

Neta Patrick, director of the Center for Assistance to Victims of Sexual Violence (Tel Aviv and Central District) and an attorney, raises the issue of sexual violence against men, which she says remains unspoken in Israeli society. The article draws on a new public attitudes survey presented on November 12 at the conference "From Silencing to Recognition." According to the data, 84% of respondents acknowledge that men can be victims, but only 20% consider such violence widespread (compared to 76% for women). 22% believe that a "real man" can prevent violence, and 44% think that boys and men who have experienced violence are themselves at risk of becoming perpetrators. The author notes that since October 7, calls to the men's helpline have increased by 81% over two years, including from people aged 50–60 who had hidden their experiences for decades. In her view, the testimonies of men who returned from Hamas captivity and spoke about sexual violence helped society see that a man can be both strong and vulnerable. The article calls for expanding notions of masculinity and femininity so that victims are not afraid to seek help.