A SERVICE supporting male victims of domestic abuse is celebrating its fifth anniversary.

Bradford Cyrenians run the Men Standing Up (MSU) campaign, which has been providing housing and support to male survivors of domestic abuse since 2014.

Men are supported from the beginning of their "journey" when they leave an abusive relationship to living freely without fear and intimidation in their new home.

Figures provided by the group in its annual report revealed it has helped 250 men since 2014 from all over the UK.

The charity has supported 33 men in court, helping them to gain non-molestation orders, stay orders or injunctions to enable them to have access to their children.

Ean Monk, head of service, explained how the service started life as a telephone helpline.

"Since inception we have developed the service further and now also offer emergency crash pad accommodation for men who need to flee to a place of safety," he said.

"We have also developed units of longer term dispersed accommodation where we can work with men to regain their confidence and reintegrate into society.

"We also have a peer support group where male survivors can meet to support each other in a safe environment."

Male domestic abuse is often seen as a taboo subject and men can find it difficult to accept that they are a victim or come forward to get help and support.

The Men Standing Up service is described as a lifeline for men who are suffering in secret within their home.

Mr Monk added: "Our mantra is that they shouldn’t suffer in silence and we are here to help them.

"The Men standing Up Service is the only service nationally that provides the broad range of services and support to male victims and survivors.

"We have worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the subject and to encourage men to come forward for help and support.

"Our staff attend schools and youth centres to promote positive relationships and open the debate on how domestic abuse affects individuals and families."

One of the men helped by Men Standing Up is a British Pakistani who was referred to the charity by the Immigration and Asylum Unit (IAU) at Bradford Council.

Known only as AA to protect his identity, he worked with the team after suffering abuse from his wife, who stopped him from seeing his child.

He did not speak any English and had no friends or family living in the UK. His only support network was in Pakistan.

He had no access to funds and the IAU team felt that AA had completely isolated himself.

The report said: "At the initial assessment it was evident how vulnerable and scared AA was, we therefore provided intense support and met with him every day.

"In the first week AA’s mood was very low and he was very depressed. He was not sleeping or eating and within a very short time began to self-harm and have suicidal thoughts.

"AA was supported to make contact with First Response (Mental Health Team) and his GP.

"He was prescribed medication and began receiving support from the mental health team.

"AA was supported to access counselling, which he is still currently attending, delivered through Haven.

"Because AA is now mentally in a better place and due to the support and encouragement he has received he decided to re-engage safely with his wife and child.

"He is currently in talks with his wife and is taking things one step at a time. AA continues to access support from us during this process of mediation."

The service's confidential telephone number is 0300 3030167 and the line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4.30pm.