More male rape victims seek help in Bristol and Somerset Published duration 10 August 2015

image caption One male rape survivor told the BBC he was "terrified" after being attacked

A support centre for victims of sexual assault says the number of men reporting rape has risen significantly.

The Bridge, which works with Avon and Somerset Police, helps 1,000 people a year. The number of reports rose from 20 in 2011 to 100 in 2015, so far.

Manager Debbie Burunou said the increase was due to more men having confidence they would be believed.

The force's police and crime commissioner (PCC) said funding for rape victims would be "protected".

'Eaten me alive'

PCC Sue Mountstevens said supporting the most vulnerable was "what the police are there for" and "victims of rape are most vulnerable".

One male survivor from the area told the BBC he was "absolutely terrified and so alone", after being raped in 2013.

He had gone to a hotel to meet a man for a date and accepted a drink before going out.

The next he knew was when he woke up the following morning and realised he had been raped.

He contacted the Bridge who put him in touch with the police.

"If I hadn't reported it, I don't think I'd be here now - it would have just eaten me alive," he said.

The Bridge is due to launch a new website on 19 August giving equal profile to women, men and those under 18 who are victims of rape.