Between 1 April 2020 and 31 March 2021, 568 men and 1479 women reported domestic abuse incidents to Thames Valley Police from the Wokingham borough but statistically this figure under-represents the number of people who are affected.
To coincide with Supporting Male Victims of Domestic Abuse Day on 2 November, Wokingham Borough Council is working in partnership with national charity Mankind Initiative, to promote the help and support available to protect male victims and survivors across the borough.
Although one in four victims of domestic abuse in the UK is male, only one in 25 who reach out for help is male. The council is working hard to ensure all victims of domestic abuse, including men, are protected and know how to access the help and support they need to keep them safe.
Abuse can come in many forms including physical or sexual abuse, violent or threatening behaviour, controlling or coercive behaviour and economic abuse, as well as psychological and emotional abuse.
Between 1 April 2020 and 31 March 2021, 568 men and 1479 women reported domestic abuse incidents to Thames Valley Police from the Wokingham borough but statistically this figure under-represents the number of people who are affected.
Cllr Sarah Kerr, executive member for climate emergency and resident services said, “One in four women and one in six men experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. However, half of male victims fail to tell anyone they are a victim of domestic abuse and 11 per cent of male victims have considered taking their life due to partner abuse.
“Asking for help is never easy however reaching out can be an important first step and we are committed to protecting vital council services to keep all victims and survivors of domestic abuse safe. You are not weak, you are not to blame and you are not alone. We are here to help and support you.”
The council is committed to working with partners to provide a comprehensive response to domestic abuse that offers support for people who experience it and holds perpetrators to account. Safe accommodation is one way the council is working with those affected by domestic abuse. The council’s domestic abuse strategy provides a wider response to this issue, including tackling root causes and helping enable people to start re-building their lives.
If you are being subjected to any form of abuse, or know someone who is, there is local support available. The Wokingham borough domestic abuse service is delivered by Cranstoun. They provide support for male and female victims and survivors, children and young people and perpetrators. You can call 0118 402 1921 and speak to someone during office hours or their emergency duty service at other times.
The council also works in partnership with Mankind Initiative, a charity dedicated to helping men escape domestic abuse, who can be contacted on 01823 334 244 weekdays 10am to 4pm.
The Mankind Initiative will be hosting a free online annual conference on 16 November aimed at professionals and practitioners who wish to find out how to support male victims or already work with domestic abuse male victims/survivors. To find out more visit www.mankind.org.uk.
