Brian Hitchcock, who runs Coventry-based charity Men’s Aid, says men who suffer violence at the hands of wives and girlfriends have been left out of a new £700,000 programme.The 'violence perpetrator programme' which will cover the entire West Midlands, will target husbands and boyfriends who commit domestic violence and abuse.
But the charity says there is no mention of the scheme targeting female abusers and no mention of any support for their male victims.Charity manager Brian Hitchcock has now criticised the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner for 'snubbing men' in the campaign:
Brian claims he receives no government support for Men’s Aid and has to subsidise the charity to the tune of around £2,000 per year out of his own pocket.The violence perpetrator programme will cover the entire region and builds on projects in Sandwell and Walsall.PCC David Jamieson has originally said the scheme will target husbands and boyfriends who commit domestic violence and abuse.Experts will work closely with them to reduce their offending and try to improve families’ lives.Launching the project, Mr Jamieson said:
The violence perpetrator programme will cover the entire region and builds on projects in Sandwell and Walsall. Credit: PA
The project is a voluntary programme for fathers over 18 who have been asked to participate as part of a Child Protection Plan or Child in Need Plan.A support service for their female partners and children will also be provided by the West Midlands Domestic Violence Consortium.Men’s Aid operates a help-line for domestic violence victims on 0871 223 9986. People can also log on to the website for extra support and guidance, here.
