Aid for male victims of domestic abuse

A HELPLINE for male victims of domestic violence is being set up next month.

Callers to the Men’s Advice Line will be able to speak to trained advisers who offer confidential, practical advice and support to people being abused by their partners.

People worried about friends or family and frontline workers can also call the anonymous helpline for advice. More than 7,000 men in Scotland reported being abused by a partner last year. Some 14% of cases investigated by police involved a man who was being abused by a female partner.

A separate arm of the helpline called Respect, also going live next month, will offer anyone who is worried that their own behaviour towards a partner is abusive a chance to stop and change it. The helpline will also be a key source of information on the scope and severity of abuse experienced by men and what support men need. Communities Minister Alex Neil said: “Domestic abuse is unacceptable, whether it is carried out by a man or a woman.”

Mark Ward, national co-ordinator for the Men’s Health Forum Scotland, said it is delighted that the SNP is supporting the development of male domestic violence support services.

Lib Dem MSP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine Mike Rumbles said: “We need to send a clear message that domestic abuse against anyone is completely unacceptable, regardless of gender.”

Highlands and Islands Conservative MSP Mary Scanlon also welcomed the news but added: “The next step would be having the helpline based in Scotland and not in London.”

The SNP government is spending £28,000 a year to extend the service into Scotland. The helpline number is 0808 801 0327. The Respect helpline is 0845 122 8609.