The Invisible Boy Revisioning the Victimization of Male Children and Teens

This publication explores the existence of a double standard in the care and treatment of male victims of abuse, and the invisibility and normalization of violence and abuse towards boys and young men in society. It asks the reader to re- examine their knowledge and understanding with respect to violence and abuse, and make it inclusive of a male perspective. The first chapter reviews the prevalence of male victimization, including sexual abuse and harassment, physical abuse and neglect, corporal punishment, community- and institution-based violence, suicide, the professional response to male victims, and media images of violence toward boys and young men. Chapter 2 reviews literature on the perpetrators of male victimization, whatever their age and gender, and their characteristics. The final chapters review the effects of victimization on males and the implications of the publication's findings for research, assessment, treatment, and program development.