INCREASED support services for victims of domestic abuse are needed, says one charity director, as figures reveal domestic violence towards men is on the rise.

Olwen Kelly, director at charity Swindon Women’s Aid which supports victims of domestic abuse, wants to see more services for vulnerable people implemented.

“It is a gendered crime we can see that from the statistics. I don’t think we are seeing more male domestic violence cases but I do believe more people, men and women, are coming forward to seek support from us,” Olwen said.

“I think there needs to be more services in general for both men and women. We need to hammer home this message. Domestic violence is wrong, whether you’re in a same-sex, heterosexual relationship. Nobody should have to put up with this. It is wrong and we must stop this.

Olwen said men and women had very different approaches to dealing with abusive relationships.

“There is a different dynamic that we see with males, there is still this taboo around the subject, Men will want help to exit a situation but stay in the relationship and in the home. Women, especially if they have children will be much more willing to leave and get to a safer place

“Men may feel embarrassed to tell someone, they may feel that a woman shouldn’t be able to do this to them. They don’t want people to know especially close family and friends.

Swindon Women’s Aid runs a 24 hour helpline which can offer help and support services to anyone in a domestic abuse relationship

In the year 2014/15 the charity received a total of 1,337 contacts of which Olwen estimates 12 percent were from men in abusive relationships.

Olwen said that but felt ashamed to admit they needed help.

“You look at a man who is often so much bigger than a woman and you wonder how it can happen. And that attitude needs to stop, this can happen to anyone.”

Recently released statistics showed that nationally, the number of women killed through domestic violence is more than double that of men.

But in Cornwall men made up four out of the five most recent victims leading to questions arising over the chain of support available for male victims of domestic abuse.

Lin Williams, domestic violence reduction strategic lead at Swindon Borough Council, said the team were working in close collaboration with support services to ensure more people could be helped.

“We are committed to help reduce the number of domestic abuse incidents in the borough and, working with our partners, offer support to anyone affected. Domestic abuse happens to both men and women. It’s not just physical but can also be sexual, financial, emotional and psychological, as well as coercive control,” she said.

“Swindon Women’s Aid helps men and has supported 19 men in the past year, some of which were high risk cases. Men are generally more reluctant to come forward, often for fear of ridicule from their peers. Domestic violence should not be a taboo subject and we want to reassure anyone that their experience will be treated with the utmost confidence and seriousness it deserves.”

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing domestic abuse call the Swindon 24 Hour Helpline on 01793 610610.

There is also a national helpline called Men’s Advice Line on 0808010327 or visit www.swindonwomensaid.org

In an emergency, victims should always call 999.