 Patterns of abuse experienced by men will be identified |
A pilot scheme to help men who are victims of domestic abuse has begun in Cardiff. The Dyn (or Man) Project, funded by the Cardiff Community Safety Partnership, will provide a one-stop-shop for heterosexual, gay and bisexual men.
The project was developed from the work of the Cardiff Women's Safety Unit.
UK government figures estimate that one in six men will experience domestic violence and the project aims to give victims confidential help.
The project will also try to identify the patterns of domestic abuse experienced by men, to improve the prospect of early intervention.
People in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities experience domestic violence in a similar proportion to the rest of the population, about one in four.
The service's organisers have promised those who access it that it will be completely confidential
Jan Pickles, from the Cardiff Community Safety Partnership, said: "We know there are genuine male victims of domestic violence in this city and we want to offer them real help."
"It is vital that you seek help if you are a victim of domestic violence, or become one.
"Do not suffer in silence. There are people who can help you to live in a safer environment that is free of violence".
The Dyn Project is also being supported by South Wales Police,
Inspector Jane MacKay, from the force's minorities support unit, said: �Victims of domestic violence from the gay community are frequently more vulnerable to the trauma of this abuse because of a general lack of specialist support and understanding in this area."
 |  Domestic abuse blights the lives of thousands of people in Wales - women and men  |
The Terrence Higgins Trust is another supporter, as is the TUC.
Derek Walker, Head of Policy and Campaigns at the Wales TUC , said the organisation welcomed this "badly-needed service"
"Domestic abuse blights the lives of thousands of people in Wales - women and men," he said.
"Unfortunately, many will be reluctant to discuss the matter with others and as a result their experiences go unnoticed.
A promotional campaign is being conducted to help generate interest in the project, with posters and leaflets distributed in city centre shops.
Refuge
The Dyn Project will be open will be from 1000 to 1600 GMT from Monday to Wednesday, and 1500 to 2100 GMT on Thursday.
The All Wales Domestic Abuse Helpline can refer male callers outside Cardiff to a specific service for men.
An organisation which hopes to open the first refuge in Wales for men suffering from domestic violence was launched in Powys last February. Montgomeryshire Family Crisis Centre say they have found a suitable property for the refuge and are now looking for funding.
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
