New figures have revealed a sharp rise in male victims of domestic abuse across Greater Manchester in a five-year period.
Data from Greater Manchester Police showed that cases of domestic abuse involving male victims in Manchester more than tripled between 2018 and 2022.
A Freedom of Information request revealed that recorded cases in Manchester are the highest in the county.
They rose from 941 cases in 2018 to 3244 cases in 2022 – a 243% increase.
There was a particularly large increase between 2020 and 2021 with cases leaping from 1829 to 3130, showing a 71% rise in the 12 month period.
Superintendent Toby Facey, GMP’s Domestic Abuse and Adults at Risk lead, said: “Greater Manchester Police is dedicated to tackling domestic abuse in all its forms, including where the victim is male.
“This increase [in reports] is primarily due to a much greater awareness of the subject area, open conversations in the media and society that men can be victims, and improved reporting methods to both the police and support services.
“We maintain close partnerships with support services and local authorities to ensure all survivors feel safe, supported, and empowered to share their stories with us, ensuring those responsible face justice.
“If you or someone you know are a victim/survivor of domestic abuse, we encourage you to report to GMP. We are here to listen, and we will support you. You should not be afraid to speak out.”
Cases of domestic abuse toward male victims have risen steadily across all ten boroughs of Greater Manchester since 2018.
In Stockport, numbers have almost doubled, rising from 552 to 1068 in the five year time period.
Bolton has the third highest increase with cases climbing from 1162 to 1773.
Sam Fisher, CEO at Trafford Domestic Abuse Services, said: “We want men to know they are not alone.
“In 2021 we applied for funding for a dedicated male support worker; our referrals then doubled within 12 months of their appointment. We also have the first dedicated male refuge in Greater Manchester.
“Domestic abuse is categorically a gendered crime but we’ve always supported male victims as an organisation.”
In 2012 the service changed its name from Trafford Women’s Aid to Trafford Domestic Abuse Services to reflect the male support offer.
The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) estimated 751,000 men aged 16 years and over experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2023. This equates to 3 in 100 men.
According to male domestic abuse support charity ManKind Initiative, they are receiving more calls to their helpline than ever before.
ManKind CEO Mark Brooks said: “What we’re seeing with the increase in call volume isn’t necessarily because there are more victims.
“I believe that through various national campaigns in recent years awareness of male domestic abuse has risen, meaning that more men feel like they’ll be properly supported if they come forward.
“Greater Manchester has some of the best domestic support services in the country with GMP leading the way.”
Offering advice to men in abusive situations, Mark said: “You are not alone. You are not to blame. You are not weak. There are first class services available to provide you with professional support.”
A total of 66% of the men who call the ManKind helpline have never spoken to anyone before about the abuse they are suffering and 64% would not have called if the helpline was not anonymous.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, support is available. Always call 999 in an emergency.
Trafford Domestic Abuse Services
TDAS provides support for victims of domestic abuse. Services include support line; domestic abuse surgery; community outreach; accommodation and one-to-one true colours.
- Website: www.tdas.org.uk/men
- Telephone: 0161 872 7368 (10am – 2pm)
- Refuge services: 07845 443840
ManKind Initiative
ManKind’s confidential helpline is available for male victims of domestic abuse and domestic violence across the UK as well as their friends, family, neighbours, work colleagues and employers.
- Website: mankind.org.uk
- Telephone: 01823 334244 (10am – 4pm)
Galop
Galop offers support for anyone in the UK who is LGBT+ and has experienced domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime or so-called ‘conversion therapy’. We are also there for friends, family members, and professionals supporting LGBT+ victims of abuse.
- Website: galop.org.uk
- Telephone: 0800 999 5428
Karma Nirvana
Karma Nirvana offers support for those experiencing honour based abuse and / or facing a forced marriage.
- Website: karmanirvana.org.uk
- Telephone: 0800 5999 247
Sign Health
Sign Health provides support and advice for victims of domestic abuse who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Website: www.signhealth.org.uk
- Text: 07800 003421
- Email: [email protected]
Men’s Advice Line
Men’s Advice Line is a confidential helpline, email and web chat service for male victims of domestic abuse and those supporting them, including family and friends and frontline workers.
- Website: mensadviceline.org.uk
- Telephone: 0808 801 0327 (10am – 5pm)
- Email: [email protected]
Featured image: Pixabay by Photorama
