More than a quarter of domestic abuse cases in region against men

Police data showed a total of 86 cases – out of 329 offences – in the two areas were recorded where the alleged perpetrator was a woman.

The figures, from 2019/20, showed 11 out of 86 cases were against men in the West Midlands – with 75 cases out of 243 in Staffordshire.

A further 168 out of 571 cases recorded by West Mercia Police over the same period, the Freedom of Information (FOI) requests showed.

The figures relate to where the victim was an adult and the alleged perpetrator was aged 17 and under – with the hope of raising awareness that younger adults can be victims and perpetrators.

It comes as part of a domestic abuse survivor's push for more men to come forward to report the crime and break the stigma attached to it.

Ian McNicholl said: "I never came forward to the police when I was experiencing abuse and it nearly cost me my life. These figures show there are dads, brothers and sons right across Britain who have come forward and told the police. I would ask all professionals to undertake an urgent review of their internal policies and procedures to ensure that they are female perpetrator/male victim friendly.

"In March 2019, following the Government consultation on 'Transforming the response to Domestic Abuse', the Home Office issued a 'Male Victim Position Statement'.

!These figures show that domestic abuse has no prejudice.

“Therefore if you are experiencing domestic abuse or suffering from the symptoms of domestic abuse, you are not alone and help is out there for you. Please don’t be like me, please call the Police or speak with friends and/or family and get the help you need. I can assure you that the action you take today will be life changing, if could even be lifesaving."

Home Office data showed male victims are almost three times as likely as women to not tell anyone about partner abuse. Only a quarter of male victims will tell the police, compared to three quarters of women.

Mr McNicholl added: "The number of females been investigated by the police sends a clear message that domestic abuse is a crime that is perpetrated by both males and females and affects both females and males. It is vital that councils, the Police and Crime Commissioners and partners in health and housing fund local services including specialist support for female perpetrators.

"It is also important that there are more awareness campaigns to encourage men to come forward and also to change society’s view that females perpetrate domestic abuse too."