I didn't think anyone would believe what my father did to me, I didn't want to believe it myself. I kept trying to push the memories down and but they were always there, and it took me almost 60 years to tell somebody.
It was a relief to call the helpline and finally talk about what happened to me.
Watch Norman's story »
My uncle always used to say that ‘Family is the most important thing’ but that didn't stop him from raping me. I’d worked in domestic violence law for ten years but I’d never really thought about men being raped. I needed support, information and strategies but I didn't want my wife and kids finding out.
I used the on-line support service anonymously to get through what had happened to me.
Watch Sanjit's story »
I looked up to my sports teacher – he said I was one of the best athletes in the school. The extra coaching he gave me was great, but I was confused by some of the other things he wanted me to do. I didn’t want to disappoint him.
Counselling helped me work through my experiences and I've turned my life around - I wish I'd done it 20 years ago
Watch Chris's story »
It was the doctor who told me I’d been raped while passed out at my friend’s party. Thought that only happened to girls
Support from the helpline and then online counselling meant I still managed to finish uni with a first class honours degree
Watch Oliver's story »
1 in 6 men have been targets of rape or sexual abuse #5MillionMen
To protect the privacy of our clients, actors play the survivors role. However, all scripts are genuine and stories are true. Safeline wish to thank the actors taking part in our videos, helping us to raise awareness of rape and sexual abuse.
1 in 6 men have been targets of rape or sexual abuse, that’s 5 million men in the UK. Abusers don’t discriminate – it can happen to any man, of any age, race, class or sexual identity. Our trained professionals provide a range of services to support men in working through their experiences. Safeline has over 20 years’ experience in working with rape and sexual abuse and our research shows that the clients we work with report a significant improvement in their mental health and wellbeing, enabling them to regain control of their lives and play a more active role within their communities.
Men’s experience of rape or sexual abuse
Everyone reacts to traumatic events in their own complex way. Research has shown that some common effects men may experience are thoughts and feelings of anger, shame, guilt, numbness, or flashbacks, nightmares, and physical or mental health problems.
Men can feel trapped and isolated by misinformation about male sexual abuse and rape, such as the false view that men can’t be raped and fears that sexual abuse can make you into an abuser. You can read here about the myths and realities of male sexual abuse.
Whatever your experience, our advisors and counsellors will not be shocked or make assumptions about you. After working with Safeline clients often say that they have moved on from what happened or have reclaimed their life.
What we can offer you
Our team of specialist staff have had training in working with men and boys who have been raped or sexually abused. There is a range of services that they can offer and these are open to men and boys without discrimination.
Male Helpline and Online Support Service for men and boys living in England and Wales– Confidential support via telephone, email, live chat and text. The team offer information, signposting and support and can tell you more about the other Safeline services.
If you use our services we may ask your permission to ask you some questions for research and funding purposes. It is totally your choice if you choose to answer or not. We use this data to help improve our service and to help reach as many different men as we can. Contact for support now
Counselling and Creative Therapies – Our counsellors provide a non-judgemental and confidential space where you can work through your experiences. You can choose from type of therapy you think will suit you as we have professionally qualified therapists who can offer different types of face-to-face talking therapies and creative therapies such as art therapy if you live in Coventry and Warwickshire. If you are aged 18 years and over we may also be able to offer you telephone or online counselling if you live in England or Wales.
ISVA and ChISVA Service (Independent Sexual Violence Advisors and Childrens Independent Sexual Violence Advisor) – Our ISVA team provide independent emotional and practical support and assistance to anyone who has experienced sexual violence and abuse at any time in their lives. They make sure you have the best possible tailored advice, information, access to services and support that you need and can act as an advocate for you when dealing with other agencies such as the police or an employer. They can also provide support through the Criminal Justice system if you decide this is the path for you. People who have used our ISVA service say things like ‘I couldn’t believe all the things they did to help me’ – find out more on the ISVA page.
Groups – Some men may choose to work in a group with other men who have had similar experiences. If you would like to do this please contact us. We also offer a support group for any family and friends who have been affected by what happened.
We are a charity and we are able to offer our services to you for free because of the way we are funded. If you want to support the work that we do donate to Safeline now or find out more about fundraising for us.
Counselling & Therapy » ISVA Service » Support groups » Training »