Services in Wales increase for Men experiencing Domestic Abuse.
The Dyn Project launches its Wales wide helpline for men experiencing Domestic abuse on 17th March 2008. The helpline aims to provide men across Wales with support, safety planning and someone to listen.
Domestic abuse is more than just the usual idea of physical violence, but often includes emotional and psychological abuse such as name-calling; isolating from friends and family, emotional mind games and threats.
Project Coordinator Adam Rees says “Men can often struggle to realise that the treatment they are receiving is domestic abuse. Everyone has a right to feel safe and if a person feels isolated, controlled or humiliated in a relationship this may be domestic abuse”
The Helpline, which will initially run on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays aims to give men support over the phone and provide information concerning services local to the caller. The Helpline is to be complimented by the website www.dynwales.org , which will hold up to date information about services in all local authorities across Wales.
Domestic abuse services are continually developing and many organisations that historically would only support female victims are now beginning to identify the needs of men in the same situation.
The Dyn Project, which works in conjunction with Cardiff Women’s Safety Unit to support men and women experiencing domestic abuse in Cardiff since 2004, is now working with organisations across Wales to develop services for men as well as supporting the current services for women. Jan Pickles, Director of the Women’s Safety Unit comments “Domestic Abuse can happen to anyone. It is important to work together to ensure both men and women experiencing domestic abuse receive valuable and appropriate help.”
The Dyn project, a project within Safer Wales has been supported by the Welsh Assembly government and celebrates the helplines launch at the Senedd, Cardiff Bay on the 4th March and in Venue Cymru, Llandudno on 14th March. First Minister Rhodri Morgan has been supportive of the Project and is confident that the helpline will “offer an invaluable support to men across Wales who are suffering in silence.”
Men experiencing domestic abuse can call in confidence on freephone 0808 801 0321
