Man encourages other sexual assault victims to report the crime

By Staff Writer

Sexual assault is a crime that some believe only happens to women. However, men can also be victims of sexual crimes. For example, Grant Watkins, a 45-year-old from Minnesota, wrote a book titled Unpinned: Breaking the Hold of Sexual Assault and Abuse about his experiences during his young adulthood, the El Paso Times reports.

According to his accounts, Watkins was sexually assaulted three times before he was 25. After the incidents, he became very depressed and tried to bury the memories.

As an adult, Watkins eventually sought help through a local rape crisis center. He now tours the country speaking to people about sexual assault, and encourages victims to come forward. In addition, he has set up a Facebook group for his cause, according to the news source.

Studies have shown that about 30 percent of veterans, 45 percent of battered women, 50 percent of sexually abused children and 35 percent of adult rape victims are likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder at some point in their lifetime, Emotional Tuning reports.