New male rape charity is launched

"Abuse just isn't a gender specific thing..."

A new charity to help male victims of rape and sexual abuse has been launched in Dorset.

The counselling service, Breakfree, is based in Bournemouth and is aimed at helping men rid themselves of the stigma attached to sexual abuse.

The charity says confidential counselling can dramatically help.

Richard, an victim of abuse whose identity has been withheld, told the BBC: "It can happen to anybody, at any time of life, in any situation."

He said: "Abuse just isn't a gender specific thing - it can happen to any human being. Human beings get abused by other human beings.

"It's just a bullying a dynamic - people have power over other people."

Lizzy Skillings, from the charity, said: "People are carrying around a great big bag of shame and guilt.

"It can only help to just release that and have a safe environment where people can talk about their experiences.

"It's liberating really."

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If you or anyone you know needs counselling or advice, call Breakfree on 01202 661155