Norfolk charity urges more male victims of domestic abuse to seek help
Today marks the very first 'Supporting Male Victims of Domestic Abuse Day'
A charity in Norfolk is urging more male victims of domestic abuse to come forward and seek help.
This comes as charity Mankind Initiative launches the first ever 'Supporting Male Victims of Domestic Abuse Day'.
It's being launched by the charity in partnership with more than 25 supporting organisations.
We spoke to Rhys Lloyd, from local domestic abuse charity Leeway.
He said: "Now is a really good time to talk about it because there has been so much progress over the years...The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 has come in.
"During the coronavirus period there was a lot more awareness being raised and you have to capitalise on those positive momentums."
How to spot domestic abuse:
Rhys Lloyd says domestic abuse is all about power and control: "A perpetrator will often look for areas that the person is weakest...call them names because they know that would affect them the most or tell them that they can't spend time with family because they know that is something they would want to do."
"It could be controlling who you see, when you see them and how long you see them for. It could be controlling what you do with your money - that is quite a topical one given the cost-of-living crisis that we are in."
A change in "attitudes towards domestic abuse" is needed
Rhys Lloyd says a change of attitude is needed: "The biggest thing is changing attitudes towards domestic abuse. I think it's important to get people to want to talk about it more...educating future generations, which is something we are happy to see is starting to happen in schools. Creating a culture where were not afraid to challenge those sorts of behaviours".
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.”
If you are facing domestic abuse 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.