To celebrate International Men’s Day on November 19, Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (Commissioner) David Allen, met with Jerry Kanchefu - Victim Support’s dedicated male Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advisors (IDSVA), to discuss the positive values men bring to their communities and families.
The male IDSVA role, funded as part of MOJ’s Domestic and Sexual Abuse Community fund, provides tailored support for male victims and enhances Victim Support’s existing team of 20 domestic abuse and sexual violence professionals, supporting males, females and young children who have experienced domestic abuse and sexual violence in Cumbria
In the three months between 1 July – 30 September 2024, the male IDSVA supported 30 male victims of domestic abuse and/or sexual violence in Cumbria.
The IDSVA can act as a bridge between the victim and the police, providing constant updates, understanding of any ongoing investigations and helps the victim to remain engaged with the criminal process. Through regular contact, the ISDVAs help make the victim aware that support is out there to assist their recovery and ability to start to move on.
Commissioner, David Allen comments: “International Men’s Day is a time to highlight the positive values men bring to their communities and celebrate male role models making a difference in their local area.
“We commission Victim Support to offer specialist support services for male and female victims of domestic abuse and sexual offences. They work hard to attract referrals from every section of the community, including from under-represented groups and communities.
“We know that male victims of sexual violence face particular barriers that makes it even less likely they will seek our support and having a male IDSVA has encouraged more men to come forward and access the support they need.
“When speaking to Jerry, it was clear to see the positive influence his role has on the service users lives. Empowering people, changing their outlook on life and enabling them to heal and recover from very traumatic events, is truly impressive.
“We know that reporting domestic abuse can be incredibly hard. No matter what the situation, your report will be taken seriously, and you will be listened to by our specially trained officers.
“If you are not ready to report a crime to police, then please consider contacting Victim Support services. These support services are independent, confidential and can provide a wealth of support.”
Lee Evans, manager at Cumbria’s Victim Support comments: “At Victim Support Cumbria, we know that domestic abuse can affect anyone. We recognise that there may be specific reasons or challenges why men are less likely to seek support.
“To work to address these, our male IDSVA is trained to support men affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence. He also works with community partners and organisations to raise awareness and make sure our services/publicity are accessible for men.
“An important message is that our services at Victim Support are free and confidential. Anyone can access our support regardless of whether a report has been made to the police or when the abuse occurred. In addition, people can access support in a range of ways- including a Live Chat facility via the website.”
Jerry Kanchefu, a male IDSVA in Cumbria comments: “Cumbria has had dedicated male IDSVAs for two years, which has been vital, as most male survivors express a preference for working with a male member of staff.
“The role involves not only supporting survivors throughout their journey of recovery and navigating the criminal justice system, but also raising awareness to men across the county, that help can be accessed with Victim Support by working with qualified male specialists. This has shown to play an important part in their motivation to reach out for support.”
Detective Chief Inspector Gemma Hannah, Cumbria Police’s Public Protection Unit, said: “The work of the dedicated male IDSVA provides critical support to victims of domestic abuse or sexual violence here in our county
“Domestic abuse and sexual violence can affect anyone, and we know that cases involving male victims are under reported.
“Domestic abuse isn’t just about violence. Many people do not identify themselves as a victim of domestic abuse or have normalised the behaviour they are experiencing. We need to keep conversations about domestic abuse going, to raise awareness of the different forms of domestic abuse and the support that is available to anyone who is suffering.
“No matter what the situation, your report will be taken seriously, and you will be listened to by our specially trained officers.
“If you are not ready to report a crime to police, then please consider contacting Victim Support services. These support services are independent, confidential and can provide a wealth of support.”
If you wish to report to police you can do so online at Report a crime | Cumbria Police. You can also phone on 101. Always phone 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.
Support Services Available:
Victim Support
Local number 0300 30 30 157
Cumbria.Admin@victimsupport.org.uk
24hr Supportline 08 08 16 89 111
Bridgeway Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)
0808 118 6432 (available 24/7)
Therapeutic services and counselling
Safety Net (North and West Cumbria) helping clients who have experienced rape, exploitation, sexual and domestic abuse. 01228 515859 office@safetynetuk.org
Birchall Trust (South Cumbria) helping clients who have experienced rape, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse 01229820828 enquiries@birchalltrust.org.uk
Gateway 4 Men, Carlisle
29 Lowther Street, Carlisle, CA3 8EE
01228 212091 info@cumbriagateway.co.uk
The Freedom Project West Cumbria
Support Helpline 07712 117 986
www.freedom-project-west-cumbria.org.uk
Mankind Initiative
www.mankind.org.uk/help-for-victims/
01823 334244 weekdays 10-4pm