Warwick charity urges men who have been sexually abused not to suffer in silence - The Leamington Observer

Warwick charity urges men who have been sexually abused not to suffer in silence

Leamington Editorial 5th Jun, 2015 Updated: 28th Oct, 2016   0

MEN who have been sexually abused are being urged not to suffer in silence.

Sexual abuse charity Safeline is encouraging victims to speak up after it was revealed cases of recorded male rapes had doubled in recent years.

Police in the area investigated 60 rapes in 2010, but last year the number had reached 124.

And male sexual abuse cases had also increased from 108 cases four years ago to 157 in 2014.




Warwick-based Safeline say it has seen a dramatic increase in the number of men coming to them for help and encouraged others to seek help.

Bosses believe high-profile cases, such as that of Jimmy Savile, have given victims the confidence to speak out.


Chief executive Neil Henderson said: “One in six men are abused, which is an unbelievable statistic. Over the last 12 months we have seen a 30 per cent increase in males coming forward looking for help.

“These figures reflect the fact rape and sexual abuse are in the media everyday, and seeing these historic cases is triggering feelings in people they want to resolve.

“People just want to be listened to and believed. It’s giving them the confidence to come forward and be told it’s not their fault.”

In December 2014 the charity were given £60,000 of government funding to help male rape and sexual abuse victims.

Mr Henderson added: “The police and government can’t ignore what’s happening. We have been given more funding to support male victims through counselling, group therapies and whatever other treatment they need.

“We are desperate to reach out and help people transform their lives.”

Police also believe the increase in figures is due to a change in public attitudes.

A spokesman said: “I don’t believe this means more offences are being committed, rather that victims are speaking out against offenders in confidence they will be listened to.”

Call 01926 402 498 or visit www.safeline.org.uk to contact the charity.

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