DOZENS of men reported being raped to Dorset Police in one year, figures have revealed.
But a charity has warned the official numbers could be 'the tip of the iceberg'.
Dorset Police data shows that 65 males of all ages reported that they had been raped in the year up to March 2020.
However, SurvivorsUK - a charity that supports male victims - has said the actual figure could be much higher because it takes men an average of 26 years to speak out about rape.
A total of 778 rape cases were recorded in Dorset in the year to March 2020.
Of those cases, eight per cent involved male victims, as did 16 per cent of the 828 sexual assaults dealt with by the force in that time.
As reported yesterday, 716 of the reports involved women, as calls were made for 'radical action' to protect women from violence.
Alex Feis-Bryce, chief executive officer of SurvivorsUK, said: "It takes men and boys who experience sexual violence an average of 26 years to speak out and seek support so the number of reports received are just the tip of the iceberg.
"Many of those who we support at SurvivorsUK have suffered in silence for many years. As a survivor myself and as CEO of SurvivorsUK I want to say to any men, boys and non-binary people who have experience sexual violence that you’re not alone.
"Support is available to you and it can make a huge difference. We have the National Online Helpline for male survivors, open 12pm – 8pm, seven days per week: www.survivorsuk.org/ways-we-can-help/online-helpline/
"If you’d prefer to speak someone on the phone you can call the Male Survivors telephone Helpline on 0808 800 5005.”
Meanwhile, a Dorset Police spokesman said: "Dorset Police takes all reports of rape and sexual assault seriously, no matter when they happened or who you are. Rape or sexual assault that has happened a long time ago will also be investigated.
"Dorset Police has specially-trained officers who can help and advise you. They are dedicated to investigating these sorts of offences, will talk to you in confidence, will explain the options open to you and will be guided by your wishes."
- If you have been a victim of rape or sexual assault, and you want to report directly to the police please call 101 and ask to be put in contact with a specially trained police officer. Always dial 999 in an emergency.
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