A NUMBER of men have come forward to tell West Mercia police they were a domestic abuse victim in the first half of 2014, but more are being urged to do so.

The ManKind Initiative, a charity which supports male victims of domestic abuse, has revealed that in first six months of last year, 456 men reported they had been victims of abuse.

Now the charity is calling for more help so men and fathers do not continue to suffer in 2015.

Ian McNicholl, domestic abuse survivor and honorary patron of the ManKind Initiative, said: “I never came forward to the police when I was a victim and it nearly cost me my life.

"These figures show there are men right across West Mercia who have come forward and told the police, so if you are suffering in this way, you are not alone and there is help out there.

"Don’t be like me, please call the police, speak to friends and family and get the help you need.”

Following a recent report into the response of police forces to domestic abuse earlier this year, the charity asked the police for figures to encourage more men in West Mercia to come forward.

The aim is to help them realise they are not the only men suffering in silence behind their front door in this way – a common reason why men do not come forward.

In addition, the charity wanted to highlight to domestic abuse professionals in the area who are working for councils, the police and the health service how many men are suffering.

This is to make sure they recognise male victims and that their services are male-victim friendly.

For more information, visit mankind.org.uk.