Male abuse survivor urges Wiltshire men not to suffer in silence
He's been sharing his story with us of how her went to Wiltshire charity FearFree for help
A man who suffered domestic abuse at the hands of his wife has shared his story with Greatest Hits Radio.
The man - who we've named Stu to protect his identity - reached out to Wiltshire charity FearFree for help, and has shared his story to encourage other men not to suffer in silence.
Stu, who's in his 30s, said he fought with constant negative thoughts about being a man asking for support.
"I felt like I was overreacting, was it normal for the man to have support?" he said.
But once he contacted FearFree, his life was transformed.
Stu attended their weekly group sessions, as well as receiving a phone call each week to check in with him.
Stu said he was worried ahead of his first session.
“I was anxious in my first session and didn’t know what to expect but during the session I realised that FearFree were here to support me, and I felt comfortable enough to share my experiences and how I was feeling."
The charity runs exclusive support groups for men and women, something Stu said made a huge difference.
“It was amazing to be part of a men only group, listening to other men’s experiences made me feel less lonely and able to ask for further help”
Staff at the charity also helped him access legal support and advice on child laws.
The help from FearFree has turned Stu's life around. He said he's 'in a good place' now.
"I don’t feel embarrassed about what has happened to me and can talk about my experiences more to people.”
FearFree is urging more male victims of domestic abuse to come forward and ask for help.