Number of men reporting domestic abuse on increase

Thousands of men in Kent were victims of domestic abuse last year, a charity has revealed.

In 2017, police received 6,764 reports of men being abused by a current or former partner.

This is a marked increase compared to the 4,803 cases reported in 2016, and 5,467 in 2015.

Domestic abuse charity, the Mankind Initiative, hopes the figures will encourage more men to come forward.

It also hopes to alert those within the council, police and health service to just how many males are affected.

Campaigners believe this will ensure that professionals address their needs, making support services more gender inclusive.

The Home Office reports men are more than three times as likely to not tell someone about partner abuse, when compared with women.

Men are also less likely to perceive what has happened to them as domestic abuse, or open up to police.

Last year, 19,109 women in Kent reported they were abused.

In 2016, police received 14,723 reports from women, and there were 15,521 in 2015.

Domestic abuse victim, and ambassador for the Mankind Initiative, Ian McNicholl, obtained the figures after sending a Freedom of Information request to Kent Police.

He said: “I never came forward to the police when I was experiencing abuse and it nearly cost me my life.

“If you are experiencing domestic abuse you are not alone and help is out there.

“Please call the police or speak with friends or family to get the help you need.

“I can assure you that the action you take today will be life changing, and it could even be lifesaving.”

Mark Brooks, chairman of the ManKind Initiative, said: “The number of men coming forwardsends a clear message that domestic abuse is a crime that affects both men and women.” A stalker who called police to say he would never be found has been jailed for two years and four months.

Charlie Brooker, of no fixed address, admitted putting a person in fear of violence.

The 30-year-old, pictured above, conducted a campaign of abuse towards a woman he knew, including threats to throw acid in her face, cut her with a knife and stamp on her head. He also threatened to harm the victim’s partner.

After finding out he had been reported, Brooker left his home, sold his car, and took steps to hide his location. He even telephoned an officer to brag he would never be found, Maidstone Crown Court heard.

He continued to send threatening messages to his victim before officers tracked him down to a house in Sidcup.