Help at hand for male domestic abuse victims
By Dee Adcock

A drop-in centre for men suffering from abuse from their families has been opened in Dorchester.

The national organisation ManKind has set up a helpline and the advice centre in the town with support from the West Dorset charity that helps women who are victims of domestic abuse.

Molly Rennie, chairman of the West Dorset Women's Refuge committee, said: "We now have an amazing service for women and the next step is to support men.

"One in six men suffer from domestic violence along with one in four women people are often surprised it's that many for both.

Partner "Domestic abuse takes all sorts of forms and not always physical. It can be inflicted by any member of the family but in the majority of cases it's the partner.

"Men think they must be strong and keep quiet about it.

"Even if the police are called to investigate the man may not want to continue with the complaint.

"They often feel embarrassed.

"But people should recognise that it's happening and that men are not to blame.

"There is help there for men who need it and that's why this new local service is so important."

Mrs Rennie, who is also lead elected member for domestic violence on West Dorset District Council, said men could call in at the drop-in ManKind centre at Mustoe Shorter solicitors in High West Street on the first Wednesday of every month from 7pm.

The local helpline phone number is 07756 191061 and is available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings between 7pm and 9pm.

Mrs Rennie said: "Staff from the women's refuge are operating the helpline to offer advice and support.

"It's a seamless service for us.

"When the women's refuge opened seven years ago it was full straight away but this is different. I think it will take time for men to use the new service but I hope they will turn to it.

Important "It's so important for everyone who needs it to have support and help and advice.

"Men can be under horrendous pressure because of domestic abuse."

She said the problems faced by men included physical assault by their female partners, attacks by other members of the family, verbal abuse and pressure from gay partners.

Children also suffered when they witnessed violence in the home.

ManKind also has a website www.mankind.org.uk with more information.

©Irish Examiner (2005)