Sexual Assault: Men do not have to prove rape to report abuse - Lawyer

Private legal practitioner, Austin Brako Powers, has urged men who experience sexual abuse to report such incidents to the police, even when the circumstances may not meet the legal definition of rape.

He said men who are sexually assaulted often remain silent because of social expectations and concerns that their experiences may not be taken seriously.

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Speaking on Channel One Tv on Monday, October 5, 2026, Brako Powers said the law provides other avenues for men who are subjected to unwanted sexual acts.

“His remedy will not lie in going for or reporting the matter as him being raped, but he can go for indecent assault or assault or attack,” he said.

His comments followed an account by a ride-hailing driver who alleged that three women booked his vehicle, overpowered him during the trip and forced him to have sex against his will.

The driver said he resisted but was overpowered and later became uncertain about reporting the incident because he was a man and the alleged attackers were women.

Brako Powers said such experiences should not be hidden, arguing that men should be encouraged to speak about abuse and seek appropriate legal help.

“I’m uncomfortable seeing men going through some of these things, and they keep them to themselves,” he said.

He said society must recognise that men can also be victims of domestic and sexual abuse and should not be discouraged from seeking help because of their gender.

According to him, creating more space for men to discuss such experiences could help challenge the perception that abuse is only a concern for women.

Brako Powers also called for a Ghanaian version of the “MeToo” movement to provide a platform for men to share their experiences and draw attention to cases of abuse against them.

“It is one that Parliament or even the government must make the proposition and send it to Parliament for Parliament to sanction it,” he said.

He said such an initiative could help create greater awareness of abuse against men and encourage victims to report incidents instead of suffering in silence.

Brako Powers maintained that men who experience physical or sexual abuse should not allow societal expectations to prevent them from seeking justice.

ANAS/VPO

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