Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (Commissioner), David Allen is supporting Male Victims of Domestic Abuse Day 2024, on Thursday 7 November to raise awareness of support services available in the county and amplify the message to victims of domestic abuse, that they are not alone.
Office of National Statistics states that in 2023, one in four victims of domestic-abuse related offences reported to the police (26%) were male, yet only one in twenty male victims accessed help from their local commissioned support service.
Over the last 3 months (from July to September 2024) Victim Support Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advisors (IDSVA) service received 290 referrals for those deemed high risk of harm of domestic abuse in Cumbria and 12% of service users were male. In comparison, 34% of people contacting Victim Support online ‘Live Chat’ service for help and advice, were male and many of these were for support around domestic abuse or sexual violence.
Domestic abuse can present in many forms and isn’t always physical violence. Abuse can include control over finances (financial abuse), forced sex acts (sexual abuse), gaslighting or mental manipulation (psychological abuse) and coercive control.
Commissioner David Allen comments: “This week I am supporting Male Victims of Domestic Abuse Day, the ManKind Initiative’s national campaign, aimed at amplifying the message that dedicated male support is available for men who have or are suffering from domestic abuse.
“We need to encourage more people experiencing domestic abuse to seek help from their local services such as Victim Support, including those specifically for men.
“It is generally the case, that when we talk about domestic abuse, we know the victims are women and girls. Whilst they remain the larger group, it is important that we also acknowledge and support men and boys who are vulnerable to being victims of these crimes.
“Men may feel that our support services are aimed at women and as a result, not access support. This often means some men ignore issues and problems, which may include the fact that they have been a victim of abuse.
“In Cumbria, we have a number of organisations providing support to men who have experienced domestic abuse, so male victims can feel confident that there are services out there for them.
“Cumbria’s Victim Support provide help to people that have experienced domestic abuse via their highly specialist and dedicated team of Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advisors (IDSVA).
“In the three months between 1 July – 30 September 2024, the dedicated male IDSVA service supported 30 male victims of domestic abuse and/or sexual violence in Cumbria.
“The IDSVA will work with a victim to better understand their circumstances, identify areas for support and safety, and also provide information on further areas of support such as counselling when appropriate.
“The IDSVA can act as a bridge between the victim and the police, providing constant updates, understanding around any ongoing investigations, helping them to remain engaged with the criminal process.
“Having someone to talk to regarding any issues they may be struggling with is vital and the IDSVA keeps the victim well informed about the criminal justice process every step of the way.
“As a victim of domestic abuse, navigating the criminal justice system can be traumatic enough in itself. Through regular face-to-face contact, the ISDVAs help make them aware that support is out there to assist their recovery and ability to start to move on.
“More than one person suffers when abuse is happening. Family members including children, friends, colleagues and neighbours and even the abusers themselves, can all be affected in a very negative and destructive way. If you are a victim of domestic abuse in Cumbria, we can help you. Don’t suffer alone or in silence. Support is available so please contact Victim Support on 0300 30 30 157 or visit their website https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/cumbria/”
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 we have a dedicated male case worker who is trained to support men affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence.
“Our male IDSVA also works to make sure our services and publicity are accessible for men and works with community partners and organisations to raise awareness.
“An important message is that our services at Victim Support are free and confidential and 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 our support in a range of ways including a Livechat facility via the website.”
Detective Inspector Kathryn Smyth said: “We know that this area of crime is under reported. Whist domestic abuse is evidenced to be more targeted towards women, behind all reported statistics are real people, male or female, suffering from unacceptable abuse.
“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.
“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.”
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
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.
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