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A charity working with male victims of sexual assault from Coventry and Warwickshire say they have been ‘‘inundated” with new clients following a series of high profile abuse scandals.

Staff at RoSA (Rape or Sexual Abuse Support Services) have provided counselling support for nearly 200 men in the last financial year - many of whom were subjected to abuse when they were younger.

The increase has left staff keen to address the issues surrounding male victims of sexual abuse, with counsellors urging anyone in need of support to get in touch.

The Rugby-based charity is now working to reduce waiting lists and seeing everyone who gets in touch promptly.

Agency director, Linda Lewis, said: “We are seeing a real change, especially in the last five years.

“It’s incredibly hard for anyone to come forward but for men it’s that little bit harder as they are convinced this sort of thing doesn’t happen to other men or boys.

“It’s helpful for male survivors to recognise that male rape and abuse does exist in our society and that other men and boys have been affected by it too.”

The charity offers tailored services to men and women, with counsellors of different ages and genders available to talk.

If required, they can provide a male or female only environment at their base for survivors to attend their appointments on specific days.

Part of the work they do involves addressing the myths, stigmas and rumours surrounding the abuse of male victims.

Linda added: “Some men have been told that because they are abused there is a possibility they will become abusers too.

“This can be extremely debilitating for them and it can be a barrier for some men to come forward.

“I recall one male survivor from Coventry who had rang our helpline to say he had been raped as a child.

“He had two daughters and he said he had never cuddled them because he had heard this rumour and was concerned he too would become a perpetrator even though he’d never had the urge to do anything inappropriate.

“It’s incredibly sad.

“He was quite distressed during the call but after having the opportunity to discuss his feelings he said he wished he had come for help sooner.”

Another issue for some male survivors is confusion about their sexuality, especially if they were abused during puberty.

“It can be very confusing and emotionally taxing for them to feel able to seek help,” Linda added.

“I would urge anyone who feels this way to take the first step and make contact with us. It is important that male survivors know we can offer a confidential and impartial service”.

The charity has been working with male victims of sexual assault from Coventry since 1997.

RoSA works closely with Coventry Rape and Sexual Assault Centre (CRASAC) and The Terence Higgins Trust who also offer services for men.

Linda said: “Each of our agencies feel it is vital that all survivors of rape and sexual abuse have a number of options available to them when it comes to accessing services.”