Nearly a quarter of Wiltshire abuse victims are men, new figures reveal
Since January 2021, Wiltshire Police has responded to nearly 12,000 cases of domestic abuse where the victim has been a male
A domestic abuse charity in Wiltshire is encouraging men to reach out for help if they're experiencing abuse.
A Freedom of Information request submitted to Wiltshire Police by Greatest Hits Radio found almost a quarter (23.5%) of cases they've dealt with since January 2021 have involved a male victim.
It's leading FearFree to encourage men to keep reaching out for help, insisting there is no shame in doing so.
CEO Debbie Beadle revealed to us they're supporting almost 400 male survivors each year, with specialist groups allowing them to find the help they need.
She said they're fully aware that domestic violence doesn't just affect women.
"We're really aware that domestic abuse is gender crime and it mainly effects women.
"However, we've had referrals of male victims come through, and we know males are affected by domestic abuse, just as women are."
Breaking down barriers for men
According to Ms Beadle, the stigma and stereotypes around men can make it hard for them to reach out.
She said: "Historically it has been, and still is, quite difficult for men to come forward. They may feel judged or not believed, but it's crucial for men to reach out."
She added keeping up conversation about domestic abuse and support programmes will lead to normalising men reaching out for help: "I hope the more we talk about domestic abuse and how it impacts everybody, we see more men feeling comfortable to come forward for the support they need."
Adult Counsellor at FearFree, Chris Dawkins, told us that people recognising what is happening to them is a major first step to seeking help.
He said: "A lot of people can feel tempted to kind of explain it away or minimise or feel like maybe the other person's behaviour is OK, or maybe they just need to be stronger.
"So recognising that what you're experiencing is not OK, is a really big first thing."
Mr Dawkins added that while the majority of abuse victims are women, it doesn't mean it can't happen to men.
But he insisted it is not a weakness for a man to admit that, or to seek help: "It can sometimes feel like 'is this really happening to me?' a that can feel embarrassing, and it can feel very vulnerable to expose that or to admit that to somebody else, but I would say that that's a real sign of strength."
Support available for men across the country
FearFree provides specialised services across the South West of England tailored to male survivors. These include dedicated support workers, therapists, and advice on safety measures, accommodation options, and navigating the criminal justice system.
Additionally, Ms Beadle emphasized the importance of taking the first step towards seeking help: "If you just want to ask questions or find out more, contact Fear Free or the domestic abuse helpline for guidance. You won't be judged, and you'll receive support."
Her message extended to survivors experiencing immediate danger—encouraging them to call 999—and those considering reaching out for assistance. For male survivors, the key message is to know there’s someone to believe and support them.
For anyone impacted by abuse looking for guidance, more can be learned by contacting FearFree or searching online when safe to do so.
If you’re affected by issues raised in this article, there is help available from your local domestic abuse service at: https://www.fearfree.org.uk/
· The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 2000 247 (run by Refuge)
· The Men’s Advice Line, for male domestic abuse survivors is 0808 801 0327 (run by Respect)
· The National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0800 999 5428 (run by Galop)
If you are in immediate danger always call 999.