The Domestic and Sexual Abuse (DSA) Helpline has reported a 92% weekly average increase in male callers seeking support for sexual abuse and intimate partner violence, since the beginning of April. The increase coincides with the release of the Netflix series “Baby Reindeer” and resulting media coverage, which has been quoted by Helpline callers. [i]
Helpline Coordinator, Emma Mitchell said: “This surge highlights a growing awareness and willingness among males to seek support for experiences of sexual abuse and abusive relationships.
“Call operators have noted since the release of “Baby Reindeer”, there has been a significant spike in weekly calls from males (from 5 on average to almost 10 on average) contacting the Helpline after being triggered by the scenes depicted in the programme, with some noting strong similarities with their own experience.”
The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline has been managed by Nexus on behalf of the Departments of Health, Justice and Communities since 2019, in that time it has seen almost 70,000 contacts directly from victims and survivors of sexual abuse and/or abusive relationships, and many more from people worried about their loved ones or the people they support at work. Since 2019, there has also been a notable increase in callers from the LGBTQIA+ community, with a 306% increase from year 1 (2019/20:66) to year 5 (2023/24:268) [ii]
Emma continued, “Each demographic group has a unique set of barriers to overcome before they feel they can reach out to the DSA Helpline. Societal expectations of men and systemic views of masculinity creates misconceptions around male experiences of abuse, making it difficult for men to come to terms with their experiences as well as making it difficult for them to talk about these. However, 1 in 6 men will experience abuse within their lifetime, and this figure is likely higher due to underreporting.” [iii]
Of the 92 males that have contact the helpline since 4th April, over 1/3 (36%) have called about childhood sexual abuse.
Emma concluded, “Every call we receive is testament to the bravery of the individual reaching out. We are here to listen, to support, and to provide the necessary information to anyone in Northern Ireland impacted by domestic or sexual abuse, regardless of their age, gender, experience or time since the incident.”
The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline is hosted by Nexus on behalf of the Departments of Health, Justice and Communities. You can call the DSA Helpline on 0808 802 1414, it is available 24/7 for any individual impacted by domestic or sexual abuse, either directly or indirectly. Support is also available via email at help@dsahelpline.org and online at dsahelpline.org to ‘Live Chat’ with an advisor. If you are in immediate danger, please call the Police Service of Northern Ireland on 999.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- “Baby Reindeer” follows the harrowing experiences of a comedian who is stalked and sexually assaulted. It was released 11th April 2024 on Netflix.
- The DSA Helpline is hosted by Nexus on behalf of the Department of Health, Department of Justice and Department for Communities.
- Nexus is Northern Ireland’s leading charity supporting people impacted by sexual abuse and abusive relationships.
- For further information or to bid for an interview please contact Hannah Loughran, Communications & Engagement Officer, via 07395 799 366, or email communications@nexusni.org.
- If you need advice or support, call the 24hr Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline on 0808 802 1414, it is available 24/7 for any individual impacted by domestic or sexual abuse, either directly or indirectly. Webchat and email services are also available on dsahelpline.org and help@dsahelpline.org.
[i] Number of male callers each week 24/25:
- 04.03.24 – 10.03.24: 1
- 11.03.24 – 17.03.24: 3
- 18.03.24 – 24.03.24: 7
- 25.03.24 – 31.03.24: 8
- 01.04.24 – 07.04.24: 6
- 08.04.24 – 14.04.24: 7 – (Baby Reindeer released – 11th April)
- 15.04.24 – 21.04.24: 11
- 22.04.24 – 28.04.24: 7
- 29.04.24 – 05.05.24: 7
- 06.05.24 – 12.05.24: 16 (Piers Morgan interview w/ Fiona Harvey- 10th May)
- 13.05.24 – 19.05.24: 9
- 20.05.24 – 26.05.24: 10
Average number of male callers each week:
- Pre Release – 04.03.24 – 07.04.24: 5
- During/Post release – 08.04.24 – 26.05.24: 9.6
[ii] Total LGBTQIA+ Callers by year:
- 2019/20 – 66
- 2020/21 – 121
- 2021/22 – 116
- 2022/23 – 63
- 2023/24 – 268