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Male Victims of domestic abuse, rape, sexual offences, stalking, harassment, forced marriage, honour-based abuse and child abuse

The CPS is committed to securing justice for all victims. We recognise that men and boys can be victims of crimes including domestic abuse, rape, sexual offences, stalking, forced marriages, honour-based abuse, child abuse, prostitution, human trafficking (focusing on sexual exploitation), pornography, and obscenity.

The CPS has always been committed to securing justice for all victims, and we apply policies fairly and equally. We have worked with groups which represent the interests of male victims to explore the issues they face in relation to these offences.

We understand that there are barriers facing male victims of these crimes. Male victims may not seek a criminal justice outcome. This can be for a variety of reasons, including fear of not being believed, shame or guilt, threats from an abuser and many social stigmas.

Male victims of sexual violence

Men and boys can be victims of domestic abuse, rape, sexual offences, stalking, harassment, forced marriages, honour-based abuse, child abuse, prostitution, human trafficking (focusing on sexual exploitation), pornography, and obscenity.

Support for male victims of sexual violence

The CPS is committed to taking steps to help victims and witnesses through the often-difficult experience of becoming involved in the criminal justice system.

Support for victims

CPS Guide for Victims of Rape and Sexual Assault

Read the guide

CPS Guide for Victims of Rape and Sexual Assault

Easy read guide

Victims’ Code

The Code of Practice for Victims of Crime in England and Wales

Actions the CPS is taking

In 2017, the Crown Prosecution Service published its first public statement recognising the needs and experiences of male victims of domestic abuse, rape, sexual offences, stalking, forced marriage, honour-based abuse and child abuse. The CPS has committed to renewing this public statement.

The statement sets out the CPS support for male victims of crimes including domestic abuse, rape, sexual offences, stalking, forced marriages, honour-based abuse, child abuse, prostitution, human trafficking (focusing on sexual exploitation), pornography, and obscenity.

To support the development of this statement, the CPS has consulted with victims and survivors, national men's groups, women's groups, and academics.

This statement explains the CPS's commitment to male victims, outlines barriers to reporting, challenges gender myths and stereotypes, and details the different types of abuse experienced by men and boys. You can read the full CPS public statement elsewhere on our website.

We are reviewing our public statement for male victims of these crimes and will update it before the end of the year.

Where to get help?

Respect Men's Advice 

https://mensadviceline.org.uk/ 

The Men’s Advice Line is a confidential helpline, email and webchat service for men who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse, and for those supporting them. The helpline offers advice and emotional support to male victims, and signposts to other vital services that help keep them (and their children) safe. You can call on 0808 8010 327 (Monday to Friday 10am to 8pm) or visit the webchat at Men's Advice Line (Wednesday 10am to 11:30am and 2pm to 4pm) for non-judgemental information and support.

ManKind

https://mankind.org.uk/ 

The ManKind Initiative helps men escape domestic abuse via a confidential helpline, information, signposting, and a directory of local services. You can call on 0182 3334 244 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm).

Karma Nirvana

https://karmanirvana.org.uk/ 

A specialist charity for victims and survivors of so-called 'honour’-based abuse in the UK. You can call Karma Nirvana on 0800 5999 247 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) for forced marriage and honour crimes.
 

You can find further support on the CPS DA legal guidance – Annex E

CPS VAWG Strategy 2025-2030

The CPS is currently developing an updated Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy for 2025-2030. This will set out a plan of action to improve prosecutions of these crimes and strengthen the support available to victims over the next five years. Once the Strategy is published, you will be able to access it here.