MEN in Taunton trying to escape from an abusive relationship are getting help from a women's charity.

A drop-in service has been launched in the town after it emerged that Avon and Somerset Police field than 1,500 reports a year of men being victims of domestic abuse.

But the charity ManKind Initiative believes the figure could be far higher as many men do not tell anyone, let along the police, of the abuse they suffer.

Victims are being encouraged to talk about the abuse inflicted on them by a partner and to find out how to safely leave their relationship.

They can use the drop-in service in Flook House, in Belvedere Road, between 11am and 2pm every Monday - no appointment is needed.

The one-year project is funded by Taunton Women's Aid and has been created by the charity's independent domestic violence adviser Lori Busch.

Leaflets and posters are being distributed throughout Taunton and the surrounding towns with barbers, pubs, sports clubs and GP surgeries being asked to display the literature, which can also be obtained via admin@mankind.org.uk.

Taunton Women’s Aid trustee Anne Kearle said: “Taunton Women’s Aid has supported women and children affected by domestic abuse in the local area for more than 30 years.

"In recent years the aims of the charity were extended to help men, and men with children, who suffer similar abuse, so we are really pleased to work with the ManKind Initiative to help change lives.”

Mark Brooks, chairman of the ManKind Initiative, said: “We are delighted that Taunton Women's Aid wanted to create this groundbreaking service and that they then wanted us to support them in doing so.

“We are confident that this service will make a difference to those men suffering from domestic abuse in Somerset and we urge any man who wants to escape, to please drop-in.

"We have a first class team ready to support them. For men unable to come in person, please do not hesitate in calling our helpline.”

The ManKind Initiative was the first charity in the UK to support male victims of domestic abuse and, in addition to the drop-in service from its Taunton base, it also runs a national helpline - 01823-334244 - trains professionals within the sector and runs a national conference.