One in three victims of domestic abuse are men.
A week-long campaign to help men who are victims of domestic violence seek support and advice has been launched in Kingston.
One in three victims of domestic abuse are men, with ten per cent of visitors to a local domestic violence support centre are men.
Last year, 18 men were killed by a partner or ex-partner in England and Wales, according to the last national crime survey.
Just one in ten male victims of domestic violence reported it to the police (compared with 29 per cent of women) and more than a quarter of male victims do not tell anybody what has happened to them.
“Men who are victims of domestic violence do not have to suffer in silence. They need to know that they can get help and advice,” said Jo Keogh, Metropolitan Police Kingston Crisis and Risk Manager, said:
“Domestic abuse can occur within intimate relationships, from other family members such as adolescent children, or in the form of ‘honour based’ violence and forced marriage. The incidence of domestic abuse within same-sex or heterosexual relationships is the same.”
Most domestic violence support services in Kingston are open to men as well as women including the One Stop Shop, Victim Support Advocacy Services and the Hestia Floating Support Service.
Chris Dammany, Victim Support Service Delivery Manager, said: “Victim Support is available for anyone living in an abusive or violent relationship. The service is free and confidential, crimes do not have to be reported to the police and there is no time limit to seeking support. Support can be given over the phone or at an outreach site in Kingston.
“Victim Support also gives the option of a specially trained male support worker for male survivors of domestic abuse.”
The Kingston One Stop Shop is a confidential drop-in service for male and female victims of domestic abuse. It takes place on Mondays at Kingsgate Church, 161a Clarence Street, Kingston, KT1 1QT. For more information call 07917 271549 or email [email protected].
Victim Support is working to raise awareness about healthy relationships among year 9 students at Hollyfield School’s Citizenship Day in June. For more information about Victim Support’s services call 020 7801 1787.
For a complete directory of local support services and training in Kingston go to www.kingston.gov.uk/domestic_violence.
A free confidential helpline – Men’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0327- is available for men experiencing domestic abuse in their relationships.
For further information go to www.mensadviceline.org.uk.
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Picture courtesy of elyob, with thanks
