A CAMPAIGN to help reach men experiencing domestic abuse who need support in Tameside has been relaunched through local cricket clubs.
Last year, 113 males accessed domestic abuse support in the borough – compared to 1,224 females.
One in six men are the victims of domestic abuse and they are far more likely to keep it a secret.
Cricket clubs are currently in the peak of their summer season and heavily engaged with local men.
As such, they are getting behind Tameside Council’s campaign to encourage male victims of domestic abuse to ‘open up’ by sharing it in their newsletters and on social media.
Michael Beech, Chairman of Mottram Cricket Club, which helped to support the campaign launch, said: “Men can often put on a front and can be reluctant to share anything they are struggling with, and they may feel particularly hesitant to talk about – or even acknowledge – they are the victim of domestic abuse.
“We’re pleased to support this campaign and help reach local men with the message that it’s okay to open up.”
The council worked with local partners to develop the Open Up campaign, recognising that men can quite commonly be victims of domestic abuse but are less likely to tell someone or seek support.
The campaign highlights the support available and has previously successfully involved men in the conversation.
Councillor Eleanor Wills, Tameside Council Executive Member for population health, said: “One of our priorities in Tameside is to make domestic abuse everyone’s business and something that everyone feels comfortable talking about – whether it’s spotting the signs of domestic abuse, seeking support for ourselves or knowing how to help others.
“While the majority of domestic abuse victims are female, a significant number are male and it’s important that male victims know there is help for them too and it’s okay to open up and talk to someone.”
Domestic abuse isn’t just physical violence, it can be controlling and coercive behaviours such as controlling someone’s money or controlling who they see and where they go.
Support is available for all victims of domestic abuse – men and women and people of all ages and backgrounds. For further information, visit www.tameside.gov.uk/domesticabuse or call Bridges 24 Hour Help on 0800 328 0967. In an emergency, you should always call 999.