BBC News spoke with male survivors and current Safeline staff about the UK’s only dedicated helpline for male survivors of sexual abuse facing closure. This risk comes after the Ministry of Justice decided to withdraw its funding.
“If people can’t get help to deal with it they just put it in box in their mind where it just sits and rots. Then they spend the rest of their lives wondering why they feel the way they do, why they need to drink so much or why they take drugs.
This is a situation that affects possibly millions of men, there are so many people suffering. Imagine how many males are going through the same as me who now won’t be able to get the help I was given.”
Male Survivor speaking to Laura O'Neill, BBC News
The UK’s only dedicated support helpline for male survivors of sexual abuse is at risk of closing after the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) announced it would end its £250,000 annual funding.
Since 2016, Safeline’s National Male Survivor Helpline (NMSH) has been a lifeline for thousands of men, providing specialist, trauma-informed support from trained professionals who understand the unique challenges male survivors face. Last year alone, the service supported 2,000 men across England and Wales, with the highest number of callers coming from London (18%) and the North West (16%).
Read the BBC News article here
The MoJ has pointed to its Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line (RSASL) as an alternative for all survivors aged 16 and over. However, male survivors and Safeline staff fear this will leave men without effective support, as the RSASL is staffed exclusively by women.
One survivor from the North West, who accessed Safeline’s helpline after years of struggling with PTSD, highlighted the importance of being able to choose the gender of the support worker.
“I was abused by a female, the last person I want to speak to about that experience is a woman.”
Safeline’s Head of National Helpline and Online Services, Liz Harrison, warns of tragic consequences if the service is forced to close.
“Male survivors will go unsupported, and lives will be lost.”
Long-time NMSH staff member John (not his real name) also expressed deep concern:
“The helplessness of having a service taken out of our hands when we know there is a valid reason we are doing it. It just feels wrong.”
Safeline’s mission has always been to ensure every survivor has access to specialist, trauma-informed care. The closure of NMSH would leave thousands of male survivors without the support they need and deserve. We are urging the government to reconsider this funding decision and calling on supporters to help. Male survivors cannot be left behind.
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