Shocking figures of male victims of sexual abuse in Greater Manchester revealed

An article published in today’s Manchester Evening News claims that, according to new statistics, one in every five reports of rape and sexual assault in Greater Manchester involve male victims - but the real number is likely to be 'much higher'.

Greater Manchester's deputy mayor Kate Green, who is also responsible for the Safer and Stronger Communities brief in the region, is launching a 'bespoke' plan to tackle domestic abuse and sexual assault towards men and boys with mayor, Andy Burnham. The plan has been co-authored by Duncan Craig OBE, a rape survivor who founded a charity supporting male victims, together with University of Manchester Professor of Criminology, David Gadd.

The new plan is being published today (November 19) to coincide with International Men's Day.

IMD is a global awareness day for many issues that men face including parental alienation, abuse, homelessness, suicide and violence, to name but a few. 

The plan is part of the city-region's Gender-Based Violence Strategy launched three years ago, which has so far mainly focused on tackling violence against women and girls but this is believed to be the first in the UK that focuses on violence against men and boys.

It comes as alarming data from Greater Manchester Police reveals that, of the 9,904 offences of rape and sexual assault crimes that were recorded in the year up to June 2024, 1,836 related to male victims,  equivalent to approximately one fifth of reports. 

However, according to Ms Green, the true number is 'much higher' because statistics show that, in Greater Manchester, the average time taken by male victims to report a sexual assault to police is four years with less than just 4 per cent resulting in a charge.

Ms Green said: “Our plan aims to reduce gender-based violence against men and boys, encourage them to seek help and live well, and ensure high-quality, accessible services across Greater Manchester. We are committed to a trauma-informed and responsive, inclusive approach that addresses the specific needs of male victims and recognises the complex power dynamics and intersectional challenges they face.

“Last year, male victims accounted for one in five reports of rape and sexual assault offences to Greater Manchester Police and sadly, we know the actual cases of gender-based abuse and violence affecting men and boys is much higher as they are less likely to report cases to the police. This is why it’s so important to have a bespoke plan for male victims that ensures the right support and services are available and that professionals understand the distinct needs of male victims, particularly those from minoritised communities.”

The launch of the new plan follows the publication of the city-region's 10-year Gender-Based Violence Strategy three years ago, which included a commitment to develop a dedicated plan for men and boys.

It also comes nearly five years after Britain's most prolific rapist, Reynhard Sinaga, was sentenced to a minimum of 30 years in prison for committing 136 rapes against 48 men but evidence suggests the figure is nearer 200. 

The plan also commits to investing in Independent Domestic Violence Advisors to specialise in supporting men and boys and establish a Male Victims Service Coordinator role, to help enhance therapeutic and advice services which will also see the creation of pathways for victims at risk of committing sexual offences or causing harm, including through work with the Violence Reduction Unit.

Mr Craig, who is the chief executive of Greater Manchester charity We Are Survivors which supports male victims of sexual abuse, rape and sexual exploitation, said: “In the absence of a coherent national strategy that tackles gender-based violence against men and boys, Greater Manchester is leading the way in launching our own plan, which addresses the full range of violence, abuse and exploitation in which men or boys are victims, and in which their gender, sexuality or intimate relationships are motivating or prevailing factors in their suffering.

“Victims of gender-based violence face numerous barriers to reporting and seeking support, including fear of disbelief, social ostracism, and lack of awareness about available help. For male victims, there are additional challenges such as societal expectations about masculinity, fear of homophobic reactions, and concerns about the consequences of disclosure.

“It is crucial to recognise the complex power dynamics in abusive relationships and prioritise support for all victims, addressing their specific needs. Developing comprehensive support for male victims is essential, if we are to truly tackle gender-based violence.”