This thesis examines the psychological symptomatology that male and female victims describe following their experiences of sexual violence. An introduction to the area provides definitions, prevalence rates and theories associated with sexual violence. In particular, rape trauma symptomology provides insight into the short and long-term symptoms of rape. An ecological perspective is also provided which considers sexual violence in terms of the interrelationships between the characteristics of the victim, the sexual violence itself and the social environment where recovery can take place. Chapter 1 provides a systematic literature review examining the range and measurement of psychological symptomatology of male victims. Findings highlighted male victims of sexual violence experience an array of negative and harmful psychological symptomatology. Chapter 2 provides a critique of a relevant psychometric assessment of trauma symptoms (Trauma Symptom Inventory). Findings of the critique highlighted that the TSI could be considered a reliable and valid assessment when examining trauma symptoms. Chapter 3 provides an empirical research study that examines and compares the types of psychological symptomatology male and female victims of sexual violence experience. Findings identified that male and female victims of sexual violence significantly associated different psychological symptoms to their experiences. Moreover, male victims significantly described more externalising symptoms in comparison to female victims, who described more internalising symptoms. Finally, Chapter 4 is a discussion of the implications of the thesis findings in relation to assessment, treatment and services for victims of sexual violence
