The shocking number of male victims of rape and sexual assault in Greater Manchester

One in every five reports of rape and sexual assault in Greater Manchester involve male victims - and the real number is 'much higher'.

That's according to Greater Manchester's deputy mayor Kate Green who, alongside Andy Burnham, is launching a 'bespoke' plan to tackle domestic abuse and sexual assault towards men and boys. Co-authored by Duncan Craig OBE, a rape survivor who founded a charity supporting male victims, the new plan is being published today (November 19) to coincide with International Men's Day.

It's 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. The new dedicated plan focused on violence against men and boys is believed to be a UK first.

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It comes as data from Greater Manchester Police reveals that, of the 9,904 offences of rape and sexual assault recorded in the year up to June 2024, 1,836 related to male victims. This means that men and boys make up around one in five of reports across the city-region.

However, according to Ms Green, who is responsible for the Safer and Stronger Communities brief in Greater Manchester, the true number is 'much higher' because male victims are less likely to report cases to the police. Statistics show that, in Greater Manchester, the average time taken by male victims to report sexual assault to police is four years with less than 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 behind bars for committing 136 rapes against 48 men - but according to GMP, there is evidence that over a 30-month period, Sinaga raped more than 200 men, the majority of whom identified as 'straight'.

The new plan will see a 'trailblazing' housing offer extended to male victims of domestic abuse and violence. This 'housing reciprocal' arrangement means that, where previously victims of domestic abuse could only be rehomed within the borough they live in, which often led to further trauma or abuse, they can now be rehomed in suitable housing in any of the 10 boroughs in Greater Manchester.

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. The plan 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, co-authored the new plan, alongside University of Manchester Professor of Criminology David Gadd. He 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.”