Male victims of domestic abuse are being encouraged to seek help across Dorset
Men in the UK make up only 4.4% of victims being supporting by local domestic abuse services
Last updated 3rd Nov 2022
Men across Dorset are being urged not to suffer in silence if they find themselves in an abusive relationship.
This comes as the charity Mankind launch their first ever day dedicated to supporting male victims of Domestic Abuse.
For this day, they are spotlighting local services that are providing support and are encouraging men to access these services for help.
In Dorset, these include the local Paragon team who can offer counselling and Bournemouth Churches Housing Association who say they are available to offer local male victims support and advice.
This day was prompted by the disparity of men accessing domestic support services.
According to SafeLives data, men in the UK make up only 4.4% of victims being supporting by local domestic abuse services despite the fact one in six to seven men will be a victim of domestic abuse in their lifetime.
Mark Brooks is the chair of Mankind - he says: "Across Dorset 2,000 men will contact Dorset Police to say they are a victim of domestic abuse but very few are actually then using the services that are available.
"The key think for many men who are going through domestic abuse is they don't know who to turn to or how to turn to people who can help them.
"So, we want to promote the support that is available and show men that they are not alone and will be taken seriously.
"It's important to tell men that Dorset Police really do take men seriously.
"Support organisations like Paragon and Bournemouth Churches Housing Association based here in Dorset will believe men and will support them.