Around half of UK men have had unwanted sexual experiences - how to get support

Around half of men in the UK have suffered an unwanted sexual experience, according to new research.

According to the research, which involved a poll of over 1,000 people, around nine per cent identifying as men said they had been assaulted by penetration or raped, while 14 per cent had been pressured or coerced into sexual acts and 21 per cent had taken part in sexual activity with an adult before reaching the age of consent.

The findings have led charity Mankind to call for greater awareness around male sexual abuse, with many victims feeling unable to speak out about their experiences.

The charity reported that referrals to its service had increased by 95 per cent since this time last year. A spokesperson told The Guardian: “Covid restrictions have meant that people can’t access their usual sources of support and are reaching out for help which local services currently don’t have the capacity to deliver".

Currently, the Government is consulting on the approach to dealing with violence against women and girls. Mankind has called on them to produce a national sexual crimes strategy which takes an inclusive approach to dealing with all victims of sexual abuse.