Scotland’s first dedicated helpline to support men suffering from domestic violence was activated yesterday.
The Men’s Advice Line offers people abused by their partners emotional support as well as information on legal, housing, child contact and mental health issues.
TV presenter Stephen Jardine, who is backing the ground-breaking initiative, said: “Think of domestic abuse and you think of men attacking women, but there is another side to the problem that remains in the shadows.
“An increasing number of men are also victims but often they are too ashamed or embarrassed to ask for help.”
Official figures show that nearly 8,000 men across Scotland reported being abused by a partner in 2008-09.
Some 477 incidents were reported to Grampian Police, 676 to Tayside Police and 135 to Northern Constabulary.
Mr Jardine, who presents STV programme The Hour, added: “The bottom line is all abuse – physical or psychological – is unacceptable and no one should have to put up with it.”
A male victim reports suffering abuse from a female partner in 14% of cases of domestic abuse reported to the police.
People worried about male friends or family and frontline workers can also call the new helpline for advice.
Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil said: “Domestic abuse destroys relationships and can have a severe impact on someone’s self-esteem and confidence.
“It’s utterly unacceptable and we are determined to do everything we can in Scotland to break the silence, tackle taboos and support people to get their lives back on track.
“Let’s be absolutely clear that men and women can both be victims and we know that men feel under immense pressure to keep up the pretence that everything is OK.”
The SNP government is spending £28,000 a year to extend the service into Scotland.
Highlands and Islands Conservative MSP Mary Scanlon said: “This is a huge step forward and I would encourage all men who are in abusive situations to call the confidential helpline.
“It is only by using the service that we can look forward to it being based in Scotland and not London.”
Welcoming the new service, Lib Dem MSP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine Mike Rumbles said a clear message that domestic abuse against anyone is completely unacceptable, regardless of gender, must be sent out.
The helpline is open Monday to Friday 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm.
The number is 0808 801 0327.