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Published: 21st March 2019
The Home Office have announced a new set of measures to help male victims of domestic abuse, with up to £1m being given to charities and organisations supporting males who are victims of gender-based domestic violence and abuse.
A recent report from the Mayor of London's office for policing and crime estimated that 246,700 adults aged between 16 - 59 living in London have experienced some form of domestic abuse and whilst the majority of the victims were women, the number of male victims is on the rise.
Across the whole of England and Wales, an estimated 695,000 male victims suffered some form of domestic abuse throughout 2018, with 138,000 male victims of sexual assault.
The announcement by the Home Office is the first cross-government position statement on male domestic abuse, with 12 commitments set out to ensure that victims and survivors receive more support and to encourage more male victims of domestic abuse to come forward and seek the help that they need.
The new measures also include £500,000 going to specialist domestic abuse support groups and a further £500,000 going to specialist LGBT domestic abuse organisations. Ministers have also pledged £24m of funding over the next three years to go towards services which provide support and counselling to all victims of sexual violence.
The Minister for Crime, Safeguarding and Vulnerability, Victoria Atkins, said: "Men can, and do, suffer from crimes such as domestic and sexual abuse. It is a horrendous experience that often goes unrecognised and it is heartbreaking that some men feel they cannot report their experiences because of societal views around masculinity."
"As a government we are determined to bring these horrific crimes to light and support victims and survivors, regardless of gender."
Survivors Manchester, a charity supporting male survivors of sexual abuse said they were pleased "to see the government’s position statement on boys and men affected by crimes classed as violence against women and girls [VAWG strategy published 6th March 2019]".
CEO Duncan Craig added: "As a professional working with male survivors of sexual violence and a survivor myself, this statement sends a clear message to boys and men that the government sees you and they are taking what happened to you seriously. That kind of recognition is priceless and will positively add to men’s healing."
"This historic step forward gives male victims and survivors the overt recognition they deserve and enables us and service providers across the UK to have a national point of reference."
If you believe you are in immediate danger, you should contact 999 for police assistance.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse and you are in need of some legal assistance then K J Smith Solicitors can help. We offer a free initial 45 minute consultation to give you the opportunity to meet us, before deciding if you wish to proceed in instructing us to act on your behalf.
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