THE Adver is working with Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service to support its 16-day campaign raising awareness of domestic violence.

Today, we look at abuse of male victims.

The statistics are stark: one in every six men will be a victim of domestic abuse in their lifetime – the equivalent of 800,000 men a year. In Wiltshire, every year over 1,500 male victims go to the police.

Just two per cent of those who approach Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service are men. 98 per cent are women.

The gap reflects that, sadly, in today’s society it is presumed that domestic abuse only happens to women at the hands of men and equally, we tend to forget those in same-sex relationships.

This has a real impact on male victims. They do not recognise they are being abused, and those who do, may feel it’s only happening to them. How can they be a victim at the hands of a woman? They feel a real sense of shame, they feel they will be laughed at and they feel it undermines their whole sense of what it is to be a man – strong, resolute and a protector, they have an overwhelming belief that men need to be strong, not show emotions and that they should simply “man up”.

The fact is they are victims of violence and mental abuse. They are isolated from friends and family, and psychologically controlled to the point they are mentally and physically powerless. They will also feel that somehow, they are to blame, feel alone and weak.

Half of men tell no one and more than 50 per cent of those who call a helpline have never told anyone before. It’s therefore vital that a man knows who to talk to and that he will be believed and will get help and support to escape a toxic relationship.

Mark Brooks OBE, chairman of project The ManKind, said: “We all have a responsibility to support victims of domestic abuse, women and men alike, and the responsibility should not just rest on the shoulders of the victim to reach out.

“We should query a change in a man’s behaviour - always being on edge, hiding bruises and making excuses for not being in contact.

“We cannot assume that men will speak up or reach out. We have to be curious because there could be something wrong and they could be a victim desperately needing help”.

If you have been affected by domestic abuse call Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service on 01793 610610 24/7 or Mankind on 01823 334244, on weekdays from 10am to 4pm.