81% in two years: Surge in men's calls to sexual assault helplines

The number of calls from men to sexual assault helplines has risen by 81% in two years, according to the Tel Aviv Sexual Assault Crisis Center. The increase is attributed to the war and the exposure of sexual abuses suffered by hostages. In 2025, 3,364 calls were recorded, a 54% increase compared to 2024.

The number of calls from men to sexual assault helplines has risen by 81% in two years, according to data from the Tel Aviv Sexual Assault Crisis Center. The center attributes the increase to the war and the exposure of sexual abuses suffered by hostages. In 2025, the helplines for men received 3,364 calls, compared to 2,180 in 2024, a 54% increase. From the beginning of 2026 through the end of September, 2,848 calls were received, a further 15% increase over the same period last year. Most callers are men in their 30s, who disclose sexual abuse they experienced in childhood. Eran Han, director of the men's sexual assault department at the Tel Aviv Crisis Center, said that the hostages gave other men the strength to speak about their trauma. Alongside the increase in calls, many men still face barriers of shame and fear of not being believed. Next week, a conference on sexual abuse in men will be held.