A CHARITY has organised drop-in sessions in Dorset to extend the help they offer to male victims of domestic abuse.

Victim Support ran a course at the end of October which was attended by 32 representatives of charities in the county to advise them on how best to support men affected by the issue.

Research shows that one in three victims of domestic abuse is male, one in six men will be a victim of domestic abuse and only 10-per-cent of those victims will contact the police.

Kerry McGeachy, divisional contract manager for Victim Support, said: "Domestic abuse is an appalling crime which can ruin, or in the worst of circumstances, end lives.

"Whilst an increase in males reporting domestic abuse is a step in the right direction, many victims continue to suffer in silence.

"Victim Support in Dorset offer free and confidential drop-in services around the county in support of all victims of crime.

"In response to an increase in male victims reporting domestic abuse, we wish to draw attention to the fact that we have volunteers especially trained to support men who find themselves in this situation."

The idea for the volunteer training course came about, she said, while one of her colleagues was watching an episode of Coronation Street, which followed the storyline of a man being abused by his female partner.

She said that abuse can take many forms including emotional, financial, physical or sexual control and Kerry stressed that the abuse does not need to be reported to police, with exception to when there is a threat to life.

For more information, go to Victimsupport.org.uk or the charity can be contacted, in confidence, on the free and anonymous helpline 08081 689111.