Recently, the Independent reported on domestic violence against men doubling in the last ten years.
Figures from Scotland’s Chief Statistician recorded that abuse against men has doubled between 2005/06 and 2012/13 and now make up 20% of the overall domestic violence cases.
While abuse of women in the home has declined, women continue to make up 80% of overall domestic violence cases in Scotland. The figures found that these types of cases were most common at weekends, and last year, there were a total of 59,882 incidents of domestic cases recorded.
These alarming figures have hit home with the Scottish Government who as a result of the report have announced £3m of funding over the next three years for ASSIST, an abuse victims charity.
In England and Wales, the figures are just as alarming. According to research from the Crime Survey 2014/15, at least 4% of men aged 15-59 experienced domestic abuse that year.
According to Aaron Slater of Abused Men charity in Scotland, the number of men reporting domestic abuses has increased year on year. He also commented that the barriers men face when reporting these crimes are not being minimised.
So what are the barriers and how are these overcome?
It’s important to note that in the instance of domestic violence getting out of hand, your first port of call should always be the police. Your personal safety is of paramount importance.
The Barriers
Domestic abuse is about asserting power and control, and an extremely difficult situation to escape from.
It’s important to recognise that you are not to blame. In a situation where you are suffering any form of abuse, understand that you are not weak, and you are certainly not alone. Many people will feel that leaving an abusive relationship will create greater suffering amongst the family, particularly if there are children involved, and therefor stay within a volatile and dangerous situation. Sadly, the reality is that if you are a victim of domestic abuse the person who is carrying this out is unlikely to change.
In an already dangerous situation, both your mental and physical health will be affected, which could heighten the risk of you retaliating against your partner. Whether this is physically or verbally, it will make an extremely difficult and emotional situation much more complex.
So what are the recommended ways of escaping this?
Charities for male victims of domestic abuse as we mentioned above, always recommend that if you are in immediate danger, you call the police.
For support services, and guidance, there are several charities that have helplines that you can call that are strictly confidential. They will recommend practical and safe ways on what you can do.
Thankfully, male domestic violence is recognised throughout the UK with not only charities offering their support, but also individuals fundraising towards these charities in an attempt to raise awareness against this form of abuse.
In April we reported on how victims of domestic violence and child abuse can find out if they’re eligible for legal aid via GOV.UK. In some cases, you may need to seek legal advice and its important that you not only have full understanding of your situation, but you are working with professionally trained solicitors who not only understand your situation but do all that they can in order to help you get back on track.
If you are at a stage where you would like to seek legal advice you can contact us for a free initial one hour consolation on 0203 857 9885