Evidence suggests that 12% of all rape victims are men. Yet we know it is common for men not to come forward or to take years to report being a victim because they fear not being believed, feel alone and worry people will blame them for what's happened.
Male rape only became a crime in England and Wales in 1994. Since then awareness has grown and recently popular soap Hollyoaks included a controversial storyline where character John Paul was raped. Yet male rape and sexual abuse still remain a largely taboo issue.
Actor James Sutton, who plays John Paul, is interviewed here alongside Duncan Craig, a survivor himself who has gone on to help others as the CEO of Survivors Manchester, an organisation set up to support male victims.
The Ministry of Justice believes that all survivors, boys and girls, men and women are entitled to receive the best possible response to their needs whether or not they choose to report. We provide funds to help all victims of sexual violence, and are keen to support work to raise awareness of these difficult to report crimes.
Join us in helping to #breakthesilence
(c) Ministry of Justice (2014)
