In this article, we’ll be looking at the support available to victims of domestic abuse in the Manchester area…
Sadly, a lot of the time domestic abuse happens behind closed doors and is often underreported. However, it is much more widespread than one may assume. Domestic abuse is defined as an incident or pattern of incidents such as controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence, and can take place in any relationship.
In addition to receiving support from therapists and family law solicitors in Manchester, it’s advisable to seek help from registered domestic violence charities and support groups. Below, we’re going to give a run-through of some of the charities available…
Who is Most Likely to Experience Domestic Abuse?
While both men and women experience domestic abuse and each case should be taken seriously and given the support they need, women are far more likely to experience domestic abuse in their lifetimes, with 1 in 4 women, as opposed to 1 in 6 men.
Women also experience higher rates of repeated victimisation and are much more likely to be seriously hurt or killed than male victims of domestic abuse. They are also more likely to experience higher levels of fear and are more likely to be subjected to coercive and controlling behaviours. sexism and misogyny set the scene for male abusive partners’ coercive and controlling behaviours. In recent studies, sexism and misogyny have been found to
excuse abusive behaviour by men in intimate relationships with women. Moreover, the severity, impact and amount seem to be higher for women experiencing domestic abuse compared to men.
What Support is Available in Manchester?
There are a series of resources available on the internet for people who are experiencing domestic abuse or fear it will happen to them soon in the Manchester area.
End the Fear
End the Fear is a good resource for people located in the Manchester area. You can get access to information and a directory of services for people who are experiencing domestic abuse. You can also use the website as a way of connecting with people who can help you.
Greater Manchester Domestic Abuse Helpline
The Contact Greater Manchester Domestic Abuse Helpline is a confidential service where staff can give specialist advice and help you get access to refuge locations and formulate a plan to safely leave the abusive environment.
Men’s Advice Line
Men who are suffering from abuse can get help and support using the advice line. They can do so via this number: 0808 801 0327
National Domestic Violence Helpline
The National Domestic Violence Helpline is available 24 hours a day to provide support to anybody who might need it and to help direct people to parties that can help them escape abusive situations. Their phone number is 0808 2000 247
Getting Support
Domestic abuse can be a difficult situation to try and deal with because it’s often the case that there are very complex emotions at work within the relationship. People often feel love and loyalty towards their partner, even when they are experiencing abuse because they don’t want to believe that this is happening.
Unfortunately, domestic abuse is often a gendered crime, with women commonly experiencing it more than men. That being said, men can be victims too and this general perception of it being a gendered crime can result in fewer men realising they’re victims and in effect, are less likely to speak out.
No matter the reason, fear has no place in a healthy relationship and it’s important to seek help or confide in someone if you ever feel scared in a relationship. There is a plethora of different charities you can contact, and even do so anonymously if you ever feel your livelihood is at risk.
