'It's not being spoken about enough': East Midlands men suffering domestic violence urged to seek help
Today marks the very first 'Supporting Male Victims of Domestic Abuse Day'
Men across the East Midlands experiencing domestic abuse are being urged to seek the help of local services or police.
That's the aim from the charity ManKind, who launched the first 'Supporting Male Victims of Domestic Abuse Day'.
Shane Thiara, from the support service Freeva, is a specialist domestic abuse case worker helping men in Leicestershire and Rutland.
He says there is still a stigma around men opening up if they're going through emotional or physical attacks at home - while some don't even realise it's happening to them:
'The way males are portrayed in society - they have to put on a front, and they have to act a certain way and if you don't, it's frowned upon. If you are in a relationship that maybe isn't great, or you're recognising the signs of domestic violence, you might not open up.'
'It's gendered in nature in terms of that it affects women more than men, but it does still happen to men. That's one of the barriers, it's still not being spoken about enough. There's this stigma and fear attached to it.'
'A step in the right direction'
It's hoped the campaign will encourage more male victims of domestic abuse to come forward and seek help through their local domestic abuse service or police.
Mark Brooks OBE, Chair of the ManKind Initiative, said: “We hope this will also raise more general awareness amongst society and friends and family who often have a vital role to play in helping them to escape.
“Tens of thousands of men are suffering in silence and simply do not know where or who to turn to for help and guidance. They often do not even recognise what they are going through is domestic abuse until it is described to them. This is why it is important for local organisations and the police to publicise the support they have and be very clear that they will take them seriously."
Mark also wanted to reiterate the campaign's slogan 'MenYouAreNotAlone': “If we keep pushing the message that there is support, you are not weak, you are not to blame and you are not alone, then more men will come forward and receive the support they need. This will also include their children who are now covered by the new domestic abuse laws. This is why the message #MenYouAreNotAlone is so important.”
How to access support
If you are experiencing issues of domestic abuse in Leicestershire and Rutland, you can contact Freeva on 0808 802 0028, or visit their website https://www.freeva.org.uk/portfolio/helpline-services/
If you are from the United Kingdom and wish to speak to someone to get help, call Refuge on 0808 2000 247.
You can also contact ManKind confidentially on 01823 334 244. Alternatively, you can anonymously speak to Women's Aid through a live chat service.