Male victims of domestic abuse urged to speak out
MALE domestic abuse victims are being urged to speak up as authorities probe the deaths of several men.
There are currently three domestic homicide reviews (DHR) taking place where the victims were men in Tameside.
DHRs are multi-agency reviews that investigate the circumstances of a person’s death which has, or appears to have, resulted from violence, abuse or neglect by a relative or current or former partner.
The current DHRs include the case of John Robinson, who was murdered by his girlfriend Clare McMahon in May last year.
The 37-year-old, known as ‘Robbo,’ was stabbed 30 times during the fatal attack at their flat in Dukinfield.
McMahon, 35, told a court that she had been driven to it, alleging her boyfriend was violent and abusive. But after a trial that lasted around two weeks, it took jurors just two hours to unanimously convict McMahon of murder.
She was sentenced to life with a minimum of 18 years.
The CPS is yet to make a decision on the other two cases.
Tameside council has now relaunched its Open Up campaign, which aims to encourage men to seek help if they are experiencing domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse isn’t just violence, it can also involve controlling and coercive behaviour such as controlling someone’s money or preventing them from seeing family and friends.
The campaign is also being supported by sports clubs including Droyslden FC, Ashton Curzon, Mossley FC and Hyde United.
There will also be posters and banners in pubs, gyms, leisure centres and sports pitches and digital advertising targeting men of all ages.
Coun Allison Gwynne, the council’s executive member for community safety, said: “It is unprecedented in Tameside to have three concurrent domestic homicide reviews for male victims.
“We are working with partners to look into the circumstances to see what learning can be found but clearly it is timely to reiterate the message to men experiencing domestic abuse that they can get help. It is believed one in six men experience domestic abuse but they are three times less likely than women to tell anybody.
“Male victims may feel very isolated – and sometimes even embarrassed about what they experiencing – but we want to assure them they are not alone, it’s not their fault and that help is available for all victims of domestic abuse - including men. Last time we ran this campaign we saw a huge increase in men calling our support line. We want to highlight that getting help is the strong thing to do.”
There is local support and help available for all victims of domestic abuse - both men and women – see www.tameside.gov.uk/domestic abuse or call 0800 328 0967.
In an emergency you should always call 999.