Male victims of rape and sexual violence are set to receive better access to help and support, thanks to a dedicated fund announced today by Victims Minister Damien Green.

Around 12 percent of rapes are against men, but many choose not to report the crime or seek the support they need. Green said that he is ‘determined to help break the silence on a subject still seen as taboo,’ adding that ‘average sentences for male rape have increased but there is more to do.’

Latest police figures show there were 2,164 rape and sexual assaults against males aged 13 or over in the year ending September 2013. 72,000 males per year are estimated to become victims of sexual offences, whether reported or not. The fund will also support historic victims who were under 13 at the time of the attack.

One organisation that currently helps male sexual violence victims is Survivors Manchester, whose founder Duncan Craig has welcomed the new funding, saying: ‘In the past there has not been enough support in the UK for male victims of sexual violence, such as myself.

‘But in the future I would like to see both the government and society begin talking more openly about boys and men as victims and see us trying to make a positive change to pulling down those barriers that stop boys and men speaking up. This funding will help to raise awareness of the issue and ensure that male victims are no longer ignored.

‘I’d like to tell all boys and men that are sitting in silence I have been there. I have been silent and it’s not a nice place to be. Yes it’s difficult, embarrassing and painful to speak out but once you start healing, you will be able to break free from the legacy. Get support lads, don’t suffer. You deserve to be able to heal.’

In an interview with So So Gay, author John Lennon, who was raped four years ago, commented that the biggest reason not to report rape is fear: fear of not being believed and a fear of giving evidence in court. ‘I believe that under reporting is also because of the stigma associated with being a rape victim,’ he added.

He told So So Gay today: ‘I think this funding is great news for male survivors. The Home Office last year released £30,000 to assist the work of Independent Sexual Violence Advisors across England, so this money would appear to be a very large amount. It is a welcome recognition that men are also victims of rape, and that to me is the most important thing.’

Both existing and new services are able to apply for funding, with, for example, a Police & Crime Commissioner’s office looking into how they can provide support services, as well as charities and service providers wishing to expand the services they already offer.

The #breakthesilence campaign on social media aims to raise awareness of the fund and encourage male victims to speak out about their experiences.