As the debate continues about young boys who are victimised, counsellors at local high schools are expressing concern that the issue of women who abuse boys needs more attention.

Counselling psychologist Stephen Claude Hyatt told Outlook: "While I was counsellor at JC (Jamaica College), I knew of several boys who were in such a situation. I can think of at least 10 cases of boys who were being pressured into sex by women who could be their mothers.

"In one case, the young man was in second form, but had the body of a grown man, and he was seduced and sexually assaulted by his mother's best friend. Of course, he came bragging about it. In another case, the young man was in fifth form, and it was nearing his exams, and he felt pressured because this woman would not allow him to study, all she wanted was sex. When he came to my office, he was exhausted and frustrated."

Hyatt is just one of several counsellors to have noted the phenomenon of abuse. Both he and others also note tha boys may brag about the 'assault' to their friends, sexual manipulation by older women leaves scars that last.

According to Hyatt: "Based on the wording of the law, a woman cannot rape a man. However, based on the same law, having sexual relations with a minor of any gender is a criminal offence. Therefore, these women are law breakers."

'Abuse is widespread'

Family therapist Dr. Sidney McGill thinks the abuse is widespread: "I do not have research to back it, but in my experience, boys are often sexually molested ... usually by an older woman next door, or by an older female cousin," he explains.

"It seems to be common among young boys who are post- or pre-pubertal - adolescent boys who are at this time trying to develop their identity. Instead of looking at it as violence, they see it as a feather in their cap," adds Dr. McGill.

Stephen Claude Hyatt cautions: "In most of these cases, I would not say the young men were manipulated. They knew what they were getting into, and they wanted to, because it is like a badge of honour to have sex with an older and more mature woman. However, eventually, they are unable to deal with the demands of a committed relationship, which is what these women often want, and that is where the challenge begins."

The further truth is that emotionally, the psychologist notes, these boys are not ready for the intensity of such a relationship, and it tends to cause loads of emotional damage and scarring.

"Based on the law, it is not rape. However, it is by all means statutory rape, no matter how you cut it. Certainly, it is sexual abuse."

- Outlook Team