Introduction
Why do some male victims experience erections or even ejaculation during a sexual assault? Why do some female victims reach climax against their will? How can a victim’s own body betray them in such a traumatic moment? And why do these physiological reactions often lead to silence, shame, and underreporting?
These uncomfortable but critical questions highlight one of the least understood aspects of sexual violence. Many survivors, both male and female, struggle to come forward because they fear judgment, disbelief, or even self-blame. When victims experience involuntary arousal during an assault, they often question whether they were complicit in the act, leading to deep psychological distress and, in some cases, a refusal to seek justice.
Here I explain the science behind these physiological reactions so we can break harmful myths, educate professionals, and create an environment where more survivors feel safe to report.
This knowledge is not just academic, it is essential in ensuring victims receive the support they deserve, perpetrators cannot manipulate these reactions to escape accountability, and law enforcement, legal professionals, and society at large recognise the truth behind involuntary responses in trauma.
Understanding Involuntary Responses in Sexual Assault: Breaking the Silence
One of the least understood aspects of male sexual assault is that some victims may experience involuntary physiological reactions, such as an erection or ejaculation during the assault.
This can cause significant emotional distress, leading some victims to question whether they were complicit (consensual) in the assault. When the victim is a young adolescent, the point is further exploited by the predator in an attempt to convince his victim that he is clearly gay and in fact enjoyed the incident - thus allowing him to continue the abuse into the future.
However, it is crucial to understand that these reactions are automatic bodily consequences and do not imply consent or willingness.
Why Does This Happen?
Autonomic Nervous System Response
The body’s autonomic nervous system controls involuntary functions like heartbeat, digestion, and sexual response. Under extreme stress, this system can trigger unexpected reactions, including erection and ejaculation.
The Fight, Flight, or Freeze Response
The body's survival instinct may lead to "freezing" rather than resisting. During this state, the nervous system can misfire, causing unintended physical reactions.
Physical Stimulation
The male genitalia can respond to direct stimulation regardless of fear, distress, or lack of consent, this is a simple nerve reflex, not an indication of arousal.
Neurochemical Reactions to Stress
During traumatic experiences, the body releases adrenaline and dopamine, which can sometimes result in physiological reactions that are beyond the victim’s control.
Psychological Dissociation
Some victims mentally disconnect from the event as a coping mechanism. The mind may be in distress, but the body may still react due to physical stimulation.
Why Is This Important?
Many male victims feel shame or confusion about their body’s reaction, which may prevent them from reporting the crime.
Perpetrators may try to use this reaction to manipulate victims into silence, falsely suggesting that arousal means consent, or as pointed out above, to continue the abuse on future occasions.
Understanding these reactions helps remove stigma, ensuring victims receive proper support rather than self-blame.
Female Sexual Assault Reactions
Similar to male victims, female victims of sexual assault may also experience the same involuntary orgasm. In cases where assaults have been recorded, perpetrators have used this as false evidence of consent, a tool for blackmail, or a means to silence the victim, further deterring them from reporting the crime.
Just like male survivors, female victims often experience confusion, shame, and deep psychological distress following such an incident. The trauma extends beyond the assault itself, leading to mental health struggles, depression, and, in some cases, reliance on coping mechanisms such as alcohol or drug abuse, creating a downward spiral.
When I lecture on these issues, whether at universities or in corporate training, I find the simplest way to clarify this misconception, for both male and females, and getting the message across is by making this distinction:
🔹 Consenting lovers who reach climax experience a PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSE.
🔹 Non-consenting victims who climax experience a PHYSIOLOGICAL REACTION.
This emphasises that bodily reactions during assaults are involuntary and do not indicate consent, helping to dispel harmful myths and reduce victim-blaming.
By educating people on this topic, we can break myths, improve victim support, and encourage more survivors to come forward without fear of judgment.
Anthony Hegarty MSc
DSRM Risk & Crisis Management is a specialist Risk Management Consultancy focused on employee safety and security. We bridge the gap between criminal psychology and practical risk management, simplifying complex concepts to help individuals and organisations understand crime, recognise criminal behavioural patterns, and apply that knowledge to stay safe.
Through expert analysis, training, and tailored risk solutions, DSRM empowers businesses and employees to proactively mitigate threats, enhance personal safety, and navigate high-risk environments with confidence.
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