Police & Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott gave the Tunbridge Wells charity a grant for £4,800 last week to mark International Men’s Day in recognition for the work they do in combatting violence against men in the home.
The award comes as an Office for National Statistics [ONS] report released on Monday shows a sharp increase in reported cases of both male and female victims.
The ONS Domesic Abuse in England and Wales Overview 2019 says police recorded nearly 746,219 cases last year, up 24 per cent on the previous 12 months, reflecting both ‘improved reporting by the police and increased reporting by victims’.
DAVSS, which last month received The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services from the Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, James Scholes, told Mr Scott that in the last six months the number of male domestic violence victims has nearly doubled to the same period last year.
Mr Scott said: “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.
“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.”
