Mental health of recently arrived male refugees in Germany reporting sexual violence.

Conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) is one of the most severe and stigmatizing human rights violations. The recognition of men and boys as targets of sexual violence is a rather recent development. In the present study data on experiences of sexual violence as well as mental health outcomes were analysed in recently arrived male refugees (N = 392) in Germany. More than one third of the men interviewed (n = 128; 36.6%) reported having experienced sexual violence. Compared to male refugees without experiences of sexual violence, male refugee survivors showed higher prevalence rates of PTSD. Moreover, some differences were found between the subgroups on the single symptoms level, indicating higher severity in those affected by sexual violence, including negative alterations in cognition/mood, suicidal ideation, and nervousness or shakiness inside. The findings provide initial data on prevalence of sexual violence and related mental health outcomes in male refugees newly arrived in Germany and emphasize the significance of sexual violence as a risk factor for different mental health outcomes. This provides clear implications for health care professionals that could aid them in better identifying those affected. Finally, further research is urgently needed that takes a closer, more differentiated look at sexual violence in male refugee populations.