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A man who suffered years of domestic abuse has begged the Government for more cash to fund support groups for male victims.

The plea follows fears that dedicated charities will have to close or cut their workload because of a lack of funds.

The man, in his 60s, said his wife threatened, demeaned and physically attacked him on numerous occasions.

He was too ashamed to report her behaviour to police and found it impossible to get support.

The former civil servant said: “It was dreadful and no one seemed able to help. I wasn’t even allowed to open letters addressed to me.

“I was accompanied to the supermarket and told I couldn’t take out money.

“The focus of this is to try to contact other guys out there.

“There needs to be some sort of rallying point.”

Labour MSP Jackie Baillie is pushing the SNP Government to find cash for dedicated support groups.

She said: “While there are more women who experience domestic abuse, men who are subject to abuse are in need of support and assistance, too.

“I urge the SNP Government to ensure that support is provided as a matter of urgency.”

Equalities Minister Christina McKelvie said: “All victims of domestic abuse should be able to get the help they need.

“Our funding supports services for both male and female survivors of domestic abuse, including £2.2million in 2019-20 to Assist, who provide support to men who have experienced domestic abuse. We also support the

provision of helpline services and associated work to enhance mainstream services’ responses to men who experience abuse.”

Charity cuts support after cash crisis

A charity which helps male victims of domestic abuse has seen its funding drastically cut.

Iris Quar, of Abused Men in Scotland, said the pot has gone from £180,000 to £53,000.

As a result, the charity has had to cut the services it offers, although they still run a helpline.

Iris said: “During 2017-18, AMIS spoke with many civil servants and politicians, pointing out the lack of provision for male victims of domestic abuse and the risk to services provided by us.”

The charity supports about 350 men a year.

The SNP Government does not give it any cash. Last year, AMIS got £160,000 from the Big Lottery and £20,000 from the People’s Postcode Trust. This year, they only got cash from the Crerar Trust, Robertson Trust and Garfield Weston Foundation.