COUNTY: More than 2,000 men in Dorset will be the victims of domestic abuse by the end of this year.

Men are being urged not to suffer in silence as new shock figures were released.

During the first half of this year, 1,144 men told Dorset Police they had been a victim of domestic abuse.

This means that by December 31, around 2,300 men may have come forward.

But there are others keeping their abuse secret – only 10 per cent of all male domestic violence victims will tell the police, statistics show.

But a charity wants anyone suffering to know they are not alone.

The ManKind Initiative is calling for more help so that fewer men suffer in 2015.

Ian McNicholl, a domestic abuse survivor and honorary patron of the 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 Dorset 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.”

Male victims are more than twice as likely to keep their domestic abuse a secret, according to the Home Office.

Relatives, friends and work colleagues of men who have been abused are urged to offer a helping hand.

Mark Brooks, chairman of the ManKind Initiative, said: “The number of men coming forward to the police sends a clear reminder to those supporting victims of domestic abuse that they must provide the same support and look for the same signs as they rightly do for female victims. This means making sure male victims and any children they have receive the recognition and support they need.

“This includes adequate emergency housing provision, such as a refuge or safe house, running awareness campaigns and ensuring there is specific support for men.

“This also includes making sure relevant staff are trained to recognise and support male victims.”

In March, Dorset Police was earmarked as one of the top 10 forces for tackling domestic violence.

Last year, Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill launched the Dorset Victims Bureau which supports victims through their investigation in accordance with the national Victims Code of Practice.

Mr Underhill advocates The Freedom Programme – courses for both male and female domestic violence victims. The News will be bringing you more information on these courses during this series.

Mr Underhill says it is important to realise that physical violence is not the only form of domestic abuse.

“Physical violence is just one facet of domestic abuse.

“An abuser does it to show control – and whether that’s emotional, financial or physical, they are controlling someone else,” he said.

“This is abhorrent and we have got to do everything we can to stamp that out.”