A LOCAL football club has pitched in its support for a Tameside campaign which aims to support men who are the victims of domestic abuse.
Curzon Ashton has given its backing to the Open Up campaign led by the council, encouraging more male victims to talk about domestic abuse and seek support.
One in six men experience abuse but they are three times less likely than women to tell anyone.
Last week, we reported about a police officer from Tameside who has opened up about the years of controlling and coercive abuse he suffered at the hands of his now ex-wife.
He’s also given his support to the Open Up campaign, which has been highlighted with beer mats in pubs, posters around gyms and local GPs, and online too.
Curzon Ashton Juniors are helping the campaign reach a broader audience, targeting local males and football supporters with the message that there’s support available for men experiencing domestic abuse.
Councillor Taf Sharif, Executive Member for Public Health and Equalities, said: “With men being three times less likely to report domestic abuse, it is important we are spreading the Open Up campaign as wide as we can, raising awareness of support available and reshaping the narrative.
“We recognise the potential difficulties for males to come forward and report domestic abuse, so it is excellent we have the support of Curzon Ashton to help us to break the stigma and misconceptions and encourage accessing support. Thank you to everyone who has helped us share this important message.”
Specialist support is available – regardless of age, gender or ethnicity – at www.bridgespartnership.org.uk or by calling 0800 328 0967.