Survivors of male violence in Luton share stories as part of police campaign to end domestic abuse

Survivors of male violence in Luton have shared their stories with Bedfordshire Police as part of a 16 days of campaigning against the issue.

The force has worked with Luton-based community group Nine Red Presents to share 16 survivors’ voices through blogs and poetry. Their voices explain the raw emotions survivors face when going through and rebuilding from domestic abuse, sexual assault and other crimes.

Saturday (November 25) marked White Ribbon Day, the international day for the elimination of violence against women, and the start of 16 days of action to raise awareness of gender based violence. Bedfordshire Police is working with partners and organisations to raise awareness of male violence against women and girls (MVAWG), domestic abuse, stalking and harassment and serious sexual assault.

One survivor spoke about when she was in a coercive and controlling domestic abuse relationship. She said: “There wasn’t a definitive change in his behaviour. It was slow changes, barely noticeable. He made me feel safe. Until he didn’t.

“He’d already taken my job, so I had no money and he had full financial control. In doing so, he prevented me from being able to go back home to see my friends and family.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Zara Brown, the force’s lead for MVAWG, said: “Sadly, sexual, coercive and domestic abuse offences disproportionately affect women and girls, and because of that we are working to create a safer environment for women and girls across Bedfordshire.

“The White Ribbon campaign is an opportunity for everyone to take a stand together to eliminate male violence and abuse against women.

“As a society we need to challenge harmful behaviour and encourage more people to be an upstander in our efforts to make keep women and girls safe across the county.

“We understand that it can be difficult to speak out, but we are creating a platform empowering people to be heard.

“We know that people are living with abuse and in fear in our county, and whether you are experiencing abuse yourself, or you are worried for someone you know, there is always help available.”