New abuse support service for men launches on International Men’s Day
International Men’s Day, Friday 19th November 2021, sees the launch of Ask Marc, a new support service for men in the Black Country affected by interpersonal violence.
Ask Marc will offer men living In the Black Country specialist support around rape and sexual violence, childhood sexual abuse, grooming and exploitation, domestic abuse, stalking, forced marriage and so-called “honour”-based violence. Ask Marc sends out a clear message of hope telling victims you don’t have to deal with it alone: someone is here to listen. Ask Marc will provide confidential practical and emotional support including one to one and telephone support, access to counselling, help to report to police, support at court, and support groups.
The service has been made possible with funding from the Office of the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, and was developed by Black Country Women’s Aid in consultation with male survivors of abuse following many years of men accessing the services. Ask Marc will work alongside police, community organisations and local authority partners to help survivors get the help they need.
Black Country Women’s Aid CEO Sara Ward says:
“We know how difficult it is to report abuse and that telling someone is the first step to getting help; it is made doubly difficult when people don’t know if services are out there to help in the first place. Ask Marc has evolved to create a space where men feel that they can tell someone without fear or judgement. It is vitally important that no one is left feeling isolated and alone. We will be sharing our many years of experience supporting victims of violence and abuse to ensure that this service maintains the high standards that all victims need when seeking help.”
Andy, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse who was supported by Black Country Women’s Aid’s rape and sexual violence services, talks about the importance of positive messages for men seeking support:
“I was at rock bottom when I plucked up the courage to contact Black Country Women’s Aid. When I called them, everything changed. Getting support was the best thing I ever did. I would encourage any man who is struggling to pick up the phone and talk to someone.”
Anyone in need of help or more information can contact Ask Marc by calling 0121 289 6402, emailing info@askmarc.co.uk or visiting www.askmarc.org.uk
ENDS
For more information and interviews, please contact Meghan Blaszczyszyn, Communications Officer, or Kat Bailey, Development Manager, on 0121 553 0090 or communications@blackcountrywomensaid.co.uk
Notes to editors:
Online launch event
Friday 19th November, 10am-12.45pm. Booking link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ask-marc-launch-event-tickets-195743332577?utm_campaign=post_publish&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eventbrite&utm_content=shortLinkNewEmail
Interviews available with:
More about Ask Marc
Ask Marc offers help and support for men affected by domestic abuse, stalking and rape and sexual violence. We offer independent, confidential advice and support to help men be safer, make choices, and move forward with their lives. Anyone can experience abuse. Don’t deal with it alone: Ask Marc.
More about Black Country Women’s Aid: visit www.blackcountrywomensaid.co.uk