Male Victim Sexual Abuse Campaign

Sexual assault & abuse - we're here to listen

West Yorkshire Police has worked with Victim Support in launching a campaign aimed at encouraging male victims of sexual assault to come forward.

While it is important that any victims of sexual assault report the crime and seek support, it is believed that offences against males are particularly under-reported.

The campaign aims to highlight that male victims are not alone, that there should be no stigma or fear in talking about what has happened to them and that by doing so they can access a wide range of support.

Offences against male victims account for around 15 per cent of the sexual offences reported to West Yorkshire Police.

 

Assistant Chief Constable Catherine Hankinson said:

“The important thing that any victim of sexual assault should know is that it is not their fault. It doesn’t matter whether you are in a relationship with the perpetrator, whether they are someone you know, whether they are a stranger; if you haven’t consented to a sexual act then it is an offence.

“Being a victim of a sexual offence can have long term effects on your physical and mental health as well as your ability to form and maintain relationships. Please don’t suffer alone. There is help available, including organisations who specifically work with male victims.

“If you have been a victim of sexual assault, either recently or in the past, then we would encourage you to report it to us so that we can investigate it and look to take action against the person responsible. I would stress though that you can still access support without having to speak to the police.”

Alisha Thomas, from Victim Support, said: “We are pleased to be part of the West Yorkshire male victim/survivors campaign highlighting the needs of male victims that are experiencing or have experienced sexual violence.

“Victim Support’s ISVA service is an accredited male service that supports men and boys alongside women and girls. We understand the fundamental differences and have incorporated that into our way of working.

“This campaign will hopefully highlight that it is ok to talk and seek help when it’s the right time for you. 

“Reporting to the police is a huge step and we recognise that it is not always what survivors want to do. Victim Support will support you whether or not you choose to report to the police and make sure you are given as much information as you need.”

 

No matter who you are, or when it happened, we are here for you.

 

In the below video a man harmed by sexual abuse in West Yorkshire talks about his experience

 

Useful Contacts

  • Victim Support
    Call: West Yorkshire helpline – 03003 031971
    Email: [email protected]
    National helpline available 24/7 – 0808 1689 111
    Website: www.victimsupport.org.uk
     
  • West Yorkshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre
    Call: 01924 298954
     
  • Breaking the Silence West Yorkshire
    A counselling service for male victims and survivors of sexual abuse from Asian origin communities throughout West Yorkshire.
    Call: 01274 497535. Open 3pm-8pm Monday to Thursday
    Email: [email protected]
    Website: www.breaking-the-silence.org.uk
     
  • Ben’s Place
    Specialist support for male sexual abuse survivors
    Website: www.survivorswestyorkshire.org.uk
     
  • Andy’s Man Club
    Real, non-judgemental talking groups for men
    Email: [email protected]
    Website: www.andysmanclub.co.uk
     
  • Kirklees & Calderdale Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre
    Call: 01484 450040
    Text: 07983 628227
    Website: www.kcrasac.co.uk
     
  • Samaritans
    If you need someone to talk to, Samaritans will listen
    Call: 116 123. Free helpline, open 24/7
    Email: [email protected] - response time 24 hours
    Website: www.samaritans.org
     
  • West Yorkshire Police
    In a non-emergency call 101.
    If a crime is in progress or there is a danger to life always call 999 immediately.
    If you are deaf or hard of hearing use mobile text phone 07786 200 200 or Typetalk 18001 101
    For a full range of online services click here

 

 

Campaign Posters / Artwork

You can shout or you can whisper, but you will be heard.  Sexual assault & abuse.  We're here to listen. 

You can shout or you can whisper, but you will be heard. 

Sexual assault & abuse. 
We're here to listen. 

Sexual assault & abuse can happen to anyone, no matter age, sexual orientation or gender identity. 

If you wish to report a crime to West Yorkshire Police, call 101, or 999 in an emergency. 

If you would rather not speak to the Police, you can contact Victim Support for free and confidential support on 03003031971. 

No-one deserves to be heard more than you.  Sexual assault & abuse.  We're here to listen. 

No-one deserves to be heard more than you. 

Sexual assault & abuse. 
We're here to listen. 

Sexual assault & abuse can happen to anyone, no matter age, sexual orientation or gender identity. 

If you wish to report a crime to West Yorkshire Police, call 101, or 999 in an emergency. 

If you would rather not speak to the Police, you can contact Victim Support for free and confidential support on 03003031971. 

No matter who you are, or when it happened, we are here for you.  Sexual assault & abuse.  We're here to listen. 

No matter who you are, or when it happened, we are here for you. 

Sexual assault & abuse. 
We're here to listen. 

Sexual assault & abuse can happen to anyone, no matter age, sexual orientation or gender identity. 

If you wish to report a crime to West Yorkshire Police, call 101, or 999 in an emergency. 

If you would rather not speak to the Police, you can contact Victim Support for free and confidential support on 03003031971. 

No blame. No pressure. When you are ready.  Sexual assault & abuse.  We're here to listen. 

No blame.
No pressure.
When you are ready. 

Sexual assault & abuse. 
We're here to listen. 

Sexual assault & abuse can happen to anyone, no matter age, sexual orientation or gender identity. 

If you wish to report a crime to West Yorkshire Police, call 101, or 999 in an emergency. 

If you would rather not speak to the Police, you can contact Victim Support for free and confidential support on 03003031971. 

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