PFCC David Allen has been supporting Male Victims of Domestic Abuse Day 2024. 

This is 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 said: “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."

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."