Sharp rise in calls to helplines from male victims of sexual assault

In depth

According to Kan News, the support center for victims of sexual assault in Tel Aviv reports that the increase in calls from men is linked to the war and to the disclosure of sexual abuse suffered by survivors of captivity. According to Israel Hayom, support centers also link the increase to the disclosure of sexual abuse on October 7 and in captivity.

According to Ynet, in 2025 there was a jump of dozens of percent in calls to the national helpline for male victims of sexual assault, due to the discussion of sexual violence against hostages and growing attention to post-traumatic stress among soldiers. According to Israel Hayom, 3,364 calls were received on the male helpline in 2025, a 54% increase over the previous year, and the trend continues into 2026.

According to Kan News, most callers are men in their 30s disclosing abuse they suffered in childhood. According to Israel Hayom, Elad, who was sexually abused seven times in his life, said: "As a man, this is a kind of post-traumatic coming out of the closet."