Support for male victims of domestic abuse highlighted

Committed to supporting victims of crime to get them the justice they deserve and rebuild their lives, PCC John Campion funds a number of initiatives across the West Mercia force area. These include services that support victims of domestic abuse.  

According to UK charity ManKind Initiative, one in every five men will become a victim of domestic abuse at some point in their lifetime, yet they make up only one in 20 victims accessing the support available from local specialist services. 

As today is Supporting Male Victims of Domestic Abuse Day, the PCC is highlighting the range of services he funds, that are available to men across Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire. 

West Mercia Women’s Aid and Cranstoun – Specialist Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) work with men and boys affected by domestic abuse throughout West Mercia. IDVAs are specialist ‘safety workers’ who provide advice and support for those who are at high risk of harm from domestic abuse. IDVAs also work closely with local hospitals. 

Cranstoun – The DRIVE programme works with both male and female victims to provide support, as well as perpetrators to change behaviours and reduce harm. 

Shropshire Domestic Abuse Service – works with female and male victims of domestic abuse, with one Independent Domestic Violence Advisor role and 7hrs outreach/triage post across Shropshire and Telford. 

West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre – an independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) works with male victims of sexual abuse. 

Victim Support Gateway (VSG) – The VSG is made up of trained professionals and provides support to any victim of crime. It doesn’t matter when the crime happened, or if it’s been reported it to the police. They’ll discuss with the individual how they’ve been affected by crime, provide immediate support and information, and help find the right service for longer-term specialist support. You can contact the VSG by calling 01905 726 896 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, or if support is needed outside of those hours, then people can call Supportline for free on 08 08 16 89 111. More information on how to contact the VSG and the support available can be found on the website here – West Mercia – Victim Support 

PCC John Campion said: “Domestic abuse destroys the lives of victims and their families and it’s happening across West Mercia. 

“Today’s message of ‘Men You Are Not Alone’ is designed to remove the stigma that men cannot be victims of domestic abuse too, and to encourage them to speak up and seek the support they need. 

“I fund a number of services that support victims of domestic abuse, and I urge anyone who needs advice or support to reach out to them.”