Historic Plan Unveiled to Support Male Survivors of Gender-Based Violence

Greater Manchester has made history by becoming the first place in the UK to implement a dedicated plan for addressing gender-based violence against men and boys. The plan, co-authored by Professor David Gadd of the University of Manchester and Duncan Craig OBE, Chief Executive Officer of We Are Survivors, was developed in collaboration with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Deputy Mayor Kate Green.

The plan outlines the city region’s approach to tackling domestic abuse and sexual violence against men and boys. It includes measures to raise awareness of support services and reporting mechanisms for male victims, particularly those from minoritised communities. The plan also prioritizes expanding trauma-informed and trauma-responsive training for professionals such as Greater Manchester Police, teachers, and social workers, to improve their recognition and response to male gender-based violence, including “so-called” honour-based abuse.

The development of the plan involved engaging with partners who are already working to meet the needs of men and boys in Greater Manchester. Data collection and analysis also revealed that 1 in 5 recorded offences of rape in the region were against male victims, compared to the national average of 1 in 10.

Duncan Craig OBE, a survivor of sexual abuse, rape, and sexual exploitation himself and the founder of We Are Survivors, commented on the launch of the plan, stating, “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.” He emphasized the need for comprehensive support for male victims and the complex power dynamics that exist in abusive relationships.

The case of Reynard Sinaga, who was sentenced to a minimum of 30 years for committing 136 rapes against 48 men, brought attention to the barriers that men face in reporting experiences of victimization. Greater Manchester’s Deputy Mayor for Safer and Stronger Communities, Kate Green, highlighted the need for a bespoke plan for male victims, stating, “Last year, male victims accounted for one in five reports of rape and sexual assault offences to Greater Manchester Police.” She also emphasized the importance of understanding the distinct needs of male victims, particularly those from minoritised communities.

Statistics from the year ending June 2024 show that Greater Manchester Police recorded 9,904 offences of rape and sexual assault, of which 1,836 (one in five) related to male victims. The plan aims to address the low reporting and charging rates for male victims in the region by investing in Independent Domestic Violence Advisors and establishing a Male Victims Service Coordinator role.

The plan also includes the extension of the housing reciprocal to male victims of domestic abuse and violence. This initiative allows victims to be rehomed in suitable housing in any borough of Greater Manchester, rather than limiting them to their own borough, which often leads to further trauma or abuse. Additionally, the plan will establish pathways for victims at risk of committing sexual offences or causing harm, in collaboration with the Violence Reduction Unit.

This groundbreaking plan reflects Greater Manchester’s commitment to creating a safer and stronger community for all its residents. It sets a precedent for other regions in the UK to follow in addressing gender-based violence against men and boys.