Male victims of sex crimes need to come forward too, says CPS

GUIDANCE for dealing with male victims of abuse will be sent to prosecutors for the first time, as the CPS says men need specific protection in the same way as LGBT and black and ethnic minority people.

Until now there has been no specialised guidance on dealing with male victims of crimes such as rape, sexual abuse and domestic violence.

The Crown Prosecution Service hopes the guidance will tackle attitudes that stop men coming forward for fear that they will feel patronised or emasculated. Prosecutors will be sent information about the different issues faced by male victims, including the fact that boys are more likely to be sexually abused by “authority figures”, while girls are more likely to be targeted by family members.

A spokesman said: “The CPS already includes sections on LGBT and minority ethnic communities within its domestic abuse and rape legal guidance and training.”

Alison Saunders, director of public prosecutions, said: “The way society views masculinity can make it very difficult for men and boys who are the victims of sexual and domestic offences to come forward … the statement addresses this challenge and I hope it will create an environment that gives male victims increased confidence to get the justice they deserve.”

A spokesman for Mankind Initiative, a men’s domestic violence charity, said: “I am certain this statement will encourage more men to come forward.”