WEST Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner shines a light to highlight the support available for male victims of domestic abuse.

According to Mankind Initiative combined with the the latest available figures from the Office for National Statistics, one in every five men (21.8 per cent) have experienced domestic abuse at some point since the age of 16.

However, men account for just 4.4 per cent of those supported by local domestic abuse services, suggesting that many male victims may not be accessing the help available.

Commissioner John Campion is committed to ensuring victims of crime receive the support they need to recover and move forward by providing funding to a wide range of support services across West Mercia.

This includes specialist support for victims of domestic abuse, helping them access justice, rebuild confidence, and reclaim their lives.

The commissioner’s office helps fund the following domestic abuse services across Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin as well as providing funding to the Victim Support Gateway.

Mr Campion said: “Domestic abuse devastates lives, shatters confidence and leaves lasting impacts on victims and their families across West Mercia.

"Too often, men suffer in silence because of stigma that men cannot be victims of domestic abuse too.

"The statistics are clear. This is an issue that affects society, and I fully support the ‘Men You Are Not Alone’ campaign to help challenge the stigma, increase awareness and show men that they are not alone and help is available.

"No one should suffer in silence. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, support is available and I urge you to access the services that can help.”