MSPs heard accounts from male domestic abuse victims A male domestic abuse victim has told MSPs how his former wife threatened to stab him while he slept and threw a deep fat fryer at him. He and another male victim spoke anonymously as campaigners took their case to Holyood's petitions committee. Alison Waugh and Jackie Walls called on the Scottish government to ensure domestic abuse campaigns addressed the needs of male victims. The committee agreed to raise the issue with ministers. The victims, identified as Mr A and Mr B, gave evidence with their faces hidden from public view. Recounting his story, Mr A said abused men needed more support. She attacked me - kicking me in the groin, spitting on me, scratching my face and arms until they bled

Mr B He told the committee: "For 17 years, I endured physical violence, physical neglect, psychological and emotional torture, manipulative behaviour, gross financial irresponsibility, pathological and wholly unfounded sexual jealousy, virtually unrelenting verbal aggression and disdain until I broke. "Now, more than 20 years on, I am told that I suffered from post traumatic stress, at the extreme end of the spectrum." Mr B told said he had no-one to speak to while he was being abused, adding: "My ex-wife threatened me a few times with a knife. On one occasion she told me if I went to sleep I would be stabbed. He went on: "She threw a hot deep-fat fryer at me, as well as various cups, ornaments, etc. All of which left holes in the walls. "She attacked me - kicking me in the groin, spitting on me, scratching my face and arms until they bled." Abuse helpline Mr B said when he contacted the authorities, it was his partner who was treated as the victim. Ms Waugh told MSPs she and Ms Walls took up the issue after becoming shocked at the number of men in Scotland who suffered abuse from partners. She said male victims should be able to receive support from specially trained workers. The Scottish government said the Scottish domestic abuse helpline and the organisation Victim Support Scotland gave advice to both male and female cases. A government spokesman said: "We are continually considering what resources are required to support all victims of domestic abuse, whether this is through research, awareness raising of the needs of specific groups, or specialised service provision and we continue to look at the evidence available when allocating resources. "If evidence shows that there has been a change in the nature and extent of domestic abuse against men then the Scottish government will consider further research or other appropriate action."



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