‘Helping men and boys’ the theme for International Men’s Day 2022

Saturday 19th November 2022 marks International Men’s Day, with the theme this year being ‘helping men and boys.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer, is taking the opportunity to urge men to come forward and speak about their experiences of crime, assuring them of the support available.

Research conducted by ManKind Initiative reveals that 49% of male victims of domestic abuse don’t tell anyone they are a victim. Between April 2015 and March 2020, an average of 12 men per year had been killed by a partner or ex-partner.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer said:

“The messaging behind International Men’s Day is so important and can be a tool used to empower individuals to speak out and spark conversation between families, friends, and colleagues.

“I would like to use the opportunity to encourage men who have experienced any type of crime, but especially domestic abuse or sexual assault to speak out, there are services available to help you.

“Men are more likely to take their own lives so removing the taboo around these subjects is vital.”

Every year, International Men’s Day promotes its core themes which are:

• Making a positive difference to the wellbeing and lives of men and boys
• Raising awareness and/or funds for charities supporting men and boys’ wellbeing
• Promoting a positive conversation about men, manhood and masculinity

John Dwyer added:

“Tackling domestic abuse is a priority in Cheshire and I mention my commitment to this in my Police and Crime Plan. Cheshire Constabulary has the support in place for everyone who needs it.”

This year, the Commissioner has secured funding from the Home Office to provide social care practitioners from across Cheshire with Safe and Together training, which is a programme that focuses on developing the understanding of coercive control on children and implements a ‘whole family’ approach in addressing domestic abuse.

In Cheshire’s custody suites, a new perpetrator programme has been launched to support those committing domestic abuse-related offences in changing their behaviour and to prevent reoffending. This is alongside the recruitment of three new Domestic Violence Advocates (DVAs) to help support victims.

The ManKind Initiative provides support for male victims of domestic abuse. They have a confidential telephone number 01823 334244 open Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm.

More information about the ManKind Initiative can be found here: 

www.mankind.org.uk