Respect Men's Advice Line reported to have seen an increase in contact via email by 96% with reports of abuse suffered by men during the pandemic from April to June.The virus has certainly acted as a catalyst for men in asking for help, but there are concerns if the help they are receiving is adequate.

Progress…

The most difficult step for men is admitting or confiding in someone that they are undergoing such abuse, whereas for women it is generally ‘easier’ as they have their social networks to confide in a family member or friend. Although, these statistics are saddening it is progress to see that men are seeking for help when this was not the case before.

The story of Alex Skeel and how he opened up about his domestic abuse…

Alex reported that whenhim and his girlfriend had fallings out, she would throw bottles at him and hit him with hammers and knives in which she rarely allowed for him to get medical treatment for.

However, the cycle eventually ended when a police officer took him aside to ask the true reality of the situation. Alex persisted that any harm on his body was self-inflicted, however once the police officer took his body camera off, he was able to admit the true situation. This led to his girlfriend being imprisoned for 7 years.

Although Alex’s story is from the pre virus era, we can learn that men can be abused too and the first step to seeking help is admitting it and there are platforms to do this.

What help is there available?

· Charities and Organisations- Indeed, the main platform for men to admit has been through organisations like mankind, domestic abuse helpline and refuge. However, the help cannot be given physically at all times during the virus such as visiting the victims and it is mainly given through the helpline.

· Dialling 999-The police have the power to issue a domestic violence protection notice and order.

· Local Authority or Housing Executive- If you are being threatened with homelessness or are homeless you may be provided accommodation.

· Non molestation order- Issued to prohibit an abuser from using or threatening physical violence, intimidating, harassing, pestering or communicating with you.

· Occupation order- Issued to prohibit the abuser from entering the home

· Criminal Law route- You may start proceedings if it is serious.

If the court is needed to issue the orders or criminal convictions it must be considered that the courts have opted to remote hearings and/or hybrid hearings (partially remote and in person) in response to the virus. Although this is easily accessible, it may be technically difficult depending on the person utilising it.

Should I still seek for help?

Yes, despite limitations posed by the virus help is still available and the correct choice would be to seek help as opposed to staying silent. The legal system is constantly progressing and adapting to change to accommodate those that ae vulnerable.