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Kent's Police and Crime Commissioner has lauded the efforts of two charities that support men who have suffered abuse.
PCC Matthew Scott gave grants in spring to Ashford-based Dads Unlimited and Davvs, which is headquartered in Tunbridge Wells.
The support groups have since helped more than 160 men and Mr Scott recognised them today as the world celebrates International Men's Day.
Mr Scott said: "To hear that these two projects have helped 169 men in just six months is fantastic.
"Davss tell me they helped 50 male domestic abuse victims between April and September – almost double the number compared with the same six months in 2018. Of those, 14 were referred into the service by Kent Police.
"These figures suggest more men are feeling more comfortable in speaking out and seeking help, and that Kent Police officers are more aware of victims’ support needs and are more aware of who they can refer those victims to."
Dads Unlimited provides 1:1 mentoring support for fathers to help them develop positive relationships with their children. Between April and September the group supported 181 men, of which 119 had identified themselves as victims of emotional or domestic abuse.
Nav Mirza from Dads Unlimited said: "The 1:1 Mentoring Service has been a lifeline for these men in seeking support for the crimes they have had to endure.
"What these figures also tell us is that there is an issue around the confidence of male victims to come forward and complain, but with our support we hope to address this and raise awareness of an issue which has largely remained invisible."
Dads Unlimited’s mentoring service and Davss’ male victims of domestic abuse project both received money from Mr Scott’s Victim Specialist Services Fund this year - £30,000 and £4,800 respectively.
The £300,000 fund supports projects which help particularly vulnerable or specialist groups such as child sexual abuse victims, and victims of domestic abuse.
Mr Scott added: "Of course women and girls still make up the vast majority of abuse victims. That’s why I fund a number of projects which provide specialist help and support to female abuse victims too.
"Men, as well as women, need to know that if they are experiencing abuse at home - which could be emotional, or physical, or both - there is help out there for them." - PCC Matthew Scott
"I will be supporting White Ribbon Day on November 25. Men and boys have a big role to play in calling out violence against women when it occurs.
"But on International Men’s Day I want to celebrate the good work being delivered locally by Dads Unlimited and Davvs.
"Men, as well as women, need to know that if they are experiencing abuse at home - which could be emotional, or physical, or both - there is help out there for them."
