Today marks Supporting Male Victims of Domestic Abuse Day, launched by ManKind Initiative in order to signpost male victims and survivors to their nearest support services and to amplify their message of #MenYouAreNotAlone.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer, is an official supporter of the awareness day and is encouraging those affected by domestic abuse to speak out.

Data collected by the Crime Survey for England and Wales (the year ending March 2020) shows that 13.8% of men aged 16-74 have experienced domestic abuse behaviours and that men made up 24% of the victims of domestic homicide.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer, said: "Supporting Male Victims of Domestic Abuse Day is a very powerful tool, and I am proud to be supporting this initiative. It is so important that men feel comfortable in speaking out about their experiences of domestic abuse.

"We are serious about tackling domestic abuse in Cheshire and I mention my commitment to this in my Police and Crime Plan. Cheshire Constabulary has the support in place for everyone who needs it."

Domestic abuse can come in many different forms and can include:

• Physical or sexual abuse
• Violent or threatening behaviour
• Controlling or coercive behaviour
• Economic abuse
• Psychological, emotional, or other abuse

Cheshire Constabulary's arrest rate for domestic abuse related incidents has risen by 54 per cent over the past six months. The Commissioner has also funded a number of projects to support both victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse.

Through funding secured from the Home Office, the Commissioner has provided social care practitioners across Cheshire with Safe and Together training, which is a scheme that focuses on developing the understanding of coercive control on children and promotes a 'whole family' approach in addressing domestic abuse.

A new perpetrator programme has also been launched in Cheshire's custody suites to support those committing domestic abuse-related offences to change their behaviour and prevent reoffending. This is alongside the recruitment of three new Domestic Violence Advocates (DVAs) to help tackle domestic abuse and support victims.

John Dwyer added: "Men are more likely to take their own lives and male victims are less likely to speak out about certain crimes, like domestic abuse so opening up conversations and removing the taboo around the subject is vital.

"I would like encourage men who have experienced any crime, but especially domestic abuse to speak out, I want every victim to know that they will get the support that they need."

The ManKind Initiative provides support for male victims of domestic abuse. They have a confidential telephone number 01823 334244 open Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm.

More information on Supporting Male Victims of Domestic Abuse Day can be found on the ManKind Initiative website: www.mankind.org.uk