Hidden male victims of domestic abuse

10 January 2011 last 12: 20 GMT by Susie Christodoulou BBC News to four percent of men were victims of domestic abuse to crime statistics for England and Wales, charities say that a growing number of victims begin to come forward. 4 percent of men aged 16-59 was suffering domestic abuse

Peter (not real name) domestic abuse suffered for several years, then one night his girlfriend and threatened to kill him and a daughter.

"She intercedes and said that the welfare services if you do not remove us from home within half an hour, it would kill us, so we packed two black bags and left."

Visas and sure to provide support to victims of domestic violence perpetrators to their respective owners, including run away and help them sign up with medical professionals and assistance with finding accommodation and a longer range.

But while places almost 4,000 women in England, Wales, – there are only 16 men.

Family crisis Center (MFCC) of Montgomeryshire Newtown, Powys, Wales is one of a few men. Peter and his daughter spent five and a half by train to get there.

"Have a cup of tea, a bite by an eat-it was really nice to get away from what happened, and be able to relax for the first time in what to me years ago," he says.

"Our room was quite comfortable, quite small, but at the same time was a small reserve after what we were up to our 10 months. So our little garden of Eden "stigma attached.

Many men find the decision to move according to shelter, it is very difficult to Matthew Bailey, independent family violence Advisor at Dyn project, some charity safer Wales community safety is designed to support people who experience domestic violence.

In the center of the Park is one of the MFCC in Wales of a few men, which line the

"It may be very terrible on the scale of the upheaval involved, particularly if they move outside"

"They may lose access to their children? They may have to change their work? There is a problem that men see it as an option. "

As well as financial concerns, many say that social workers still stigma attached to being a man, a victim of domestic abuse.

"There is a large cultural duty men for themselves, be the head of household, alpha male, strong, responsible person.

"To admit being abused to look like an admission of failure," says Mr. Bailey.

Screening

Some agencies "screen" male victims to validate the petitioners in support of their claims, unlike women automatically believed.

Mr. Bailey explains that we think is critical to correctly identify the main in nhshod.

"Historically, we know how many people have been identified as perpetrators of domestic abuse to counter claims allegation-against their partner cynical reasons; We also know that in the past, some men climb were as perpetrators. That's why we screen all men that we are working with.

"We ask them questions, and also from their attitude to their answers we judge whether we think ??????? real with us," said Mr. Bailey.

"It is very important that we do not sacrifice and misidentity. I think we should be looking long screen all people view as victims of domestic abuse services, male or female, "he says.

Increasing numbers

In recent years, help lines report an increase in number of calls they receive.

"In 2009, we've talked to callers 2,300 and we have an answer emails 850," says Ippo Panteloudakis from the men's advice line.

"In 2010, we spoke to callers almost 3,000 and replied to 1,200 emails, this is an increase of 35%."

Be called more men by hospitals and police support centres, and many men are now starting to acknowldge abuse, refer to themselves.

But with a few men reporting abuse, Matthew Bailey, says the current estimates are "tip of the iceberg".

"The company, our acceptance and understanding of domestic abuse male seemed 30 years behind the times.

"Some people try to tell me of family abuse does not occur. We where domestic abuse services for women in the 1970s, "says Mr. Bailey.

"There are many obstacles deterring men from reporting abuse. Men keep silent fear may be disbelieved or the other, or simply a feeling of crippling shame. "

The last pill on be transmitted BBC Radio 4, in 2000 GMT, Sunday, January 20, 2011, or listen again on BBC iPlayer.

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