The world of male rape and violence may not be the usual theme for a TV series, but “Baby Reindeer” has sent shockwaves over the Internet.

Foreign or independent films typically don't have an impact on healthcare unless they address serious issues that may affect workers in the industry or issues of social importance. For instance, consider "Two Women," "The Virgin Suicides," or even "Parasite." Because they all relate to the needs of those in distress, they all have a component that healthcare workers should address.

Now, the ripple that was once a small, semi-autobiographical independent film has become the hottest topic in film today. One after another, important people see “Baby Reindeer” as a major contender for awards. The topic? Male sexual abuse of another male.

More than 27% of men and more than 32% of women have been sexually abused at some point in their lives. “If you are a man who experienced sexual assault, you are not alone. At least 1 out of every 10 men will experience sexual assault at some point in their life. Learn about sexual trauma in men, common reactions, and what you can do to recover.”

The men come forward, men in their 60s or older, hesitant, anxious, or angry at what had been done to them in their younger years and about which nothing had been done. They had no protection, protectors, or legal defenders who would scoop them up and save them. They were alone and remained alone emotionally in a world where silence was their only defense against pain and shame.

Sexual assault of males has received inadequate attention from researchers and society. The lack of interest and understanding towards male victims has made their shame worse over the years. Only now is the curtain of secrecy and shame being pulled back as members of religious orders are charged with these crimes and stand trial. For some, there will be no justice because the rapist has already died years ago.

A study in 1998 looked at how common and when sexual assaults happened among U.S. Army troops. The methods are: Soldiers in combat service and combat service support units (555 men and 573 women) filled out self-administered surveys. Results: 22.6% of the women who answered said they had been raped, and 50.9% of women and 6.7% of men said they had been sexually assaulted. The majority of sexual assaults happened before the soldiers joined the military. One percent of men said they had been raped or had one attempted or finished as a child.

Men who are victims have both physical and mental health problems. They may experience physical harm or mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem. They could even develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or face social difficulties or have thoughts of suicide.

The mini TV series Baby Reindeer tells the story of a man who was groomed and sexually assaulted by a powerful person who promised him success in his career. Another character, a convicted female serial stalker, plays a significant role in the series. However, their main motivation is seeking attention and validation from others.

The series is disturbing because of the main character’s feeling of not belonging, but it sheds light on an important topic that has been overlooked. Of course, I am speaking of male rape. It's a difficult topic, but we must face it so these individuals can get the care they deserve. They shouldn't feel shame because of what others have done to them, but it is our culture that reinforces a sense of shame by not opening it up to free dialogue. Instead, we have turned our heads, averted our eyes, and relegated it to the cellar of our culture.

Well, it's time to open the cellar door, and Baby Reindeer may be one effort in that direction. Why else would it be receiving such incredible attention from the entertainment world? We often talk about the casting couch, but we ignore those forced onto the couch, including young men.

I remember working at a company where a good-looking guy worked in the mailroom with his brother. He was going on a trip to California with his huge dog. When he returned for a visit, the news was shocking.

A very famous male star had propositioned him and offered him $500 for sex, which he turned down. The star couldn't understand how a young man driving a raggedy van could refuse such an offer from a huge box office, attractive film star. But he did, and he came back to tell the story. The male star is dead now. He had AIDS.

Society has now recognized the female victims of sexual assault, and it's time to pay more attention to the men. Below is a small collection of resources that may be useful to any men who have been victimized. You don't have to live in the shadows any longer. Let this day be one of freedom and light for you.

References:

Pennsylvania Attorney General’s diocese victims report

Voices of Brown (university)

Survivors breaking code silence

National sexual assault hotline