Police and Survivors Manchester launch male rape campaign

Police have joined forces with Survivors Manchester to launch a rape campaign for men

Police have joined forces with Survivors Manchester to launch a rape campaign for men.

A series of posters are being put up across Greater Manchester to encourage male victims to break the silence and report rape.

Police have seen an increase in the number of men reporting rape in the last 12 months.

Between April 2014 and April 2015, there have been 84 incidents of rape or attempted rape reported, compared to 35 the previous year.

However, police suspect a large number of crimes go unreported and hope that the campaign will encourage even more men to come forward.

The posters feature real men rather than professional models, all of whom put themselves forward following an appeal from Survivors Manchester for volunteers.

Detective Inspector Damian Simpson from Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Sexual Offences Unit said: “Rape is a difficult subject to talk about and we appreciate that coming forward is never easy.

“We know that male rape is heavily under-reported and want to reach out to men and let them know that help is available.

“As the poster says, we’re here for you and will never judge you.”

Duncan Craig, Chief Executive Officer and Psychotherapist from Survivors Manchester said: "We need to work together to break the silence that surrounds the rape and sexual assault of men, so those affected can get the support they deserve.

"GMP are working hard to ensure that boys and men don't go unnoticed and by working together, we can break the silence of the sexual abuse, rape and sexual exploitation of boys and men."