W
L
PAUL LAVELLE
DOMESTIC ABUSE CHARITY SUPPORTING
MALE VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS IS NOW OPEN
A domestic abuse charity specifically supporting male victims and
survivors is now open in Wirral.
Having registered as a charity in April 2018, the Paul Lavelle
Foundation has officially opened in Royal Standard House,
Birkenhead, with the help of backing from sponsors including Wirral
Council and Involve North West.
The Paul Lavelle Foundation (PLF) was formed first as an online
community and later as a registered charity by the family and friends
of Wirral man Paul Lavelle.
Tragically killed by his abuser in May 2017, Paul’s loved ones created
the charity in his memory and as a way to raise awareness of the
issue of domestic abuse, particularly supporting male victims and
survivors to speak out and access support.
After gathering a considerable online following, the group saw a gap
in the community for domestic abuse support that catered to men.
After joining the Wirral Domestic Abuse Alliance and speaking at
the Wirral Domestic Abuse conference in October 2018 the charity,
who are big supporters of the Council’s #ItsNeverOk campaign
against domestic abuse, forged ahead with their plans to open a
community hub for PLF.
Speaking of the charity’s launch, Cllr Paul Stuart, Chair of Wirral
Domestic Abuse Alliance and cabinet member for Law and Order
said: “Domestic abuse is an issue that affects many in Wirral. I am
proud that we are able to back Paul Lavelle Foundation to set up
offices which will make outreach and support options for men who
are experiencing domestic abuse more easily accessible.
“While statistically more women are victims and survivors of abuse,
we know too that men can also be abused in this way. Often this
abuse can go undetected for years until a survivor speaks out or an
abuser is found out.
“In Wirral we’re committed to recognising all kinds of abuse
regardless of the survivor or abuser’s backgrounds. The future is
bright for Paul Lavelle Foundation and I congratulate the dedicated
volunteers who are bringing this vital work to light.”
The PLF offices will provide services including guidance and
emotional support for men who are suffering in an abusive
relationship. It will offer a safe place for men to visit and chat about
any issues they may be experiencing.
Paul Gladwell, a founding trustee at PLF and good friend of Paul’s,
said: “The foundation has grown at a seriously fast pace over the 12
months we have been a charity. We have always tried to walk before
we can run but we have found that we are actually sprinting due
to the response we have had since we set up the community from
people wanting our support.”
The offices will also provide a space for family members to contact
the group and voice concerns about their loved ones. Paul continued
to say: “We are finding that many of the people contacting us with
concerns seem to be worried mothers, family members and friends
and not the man suffering.
“We need men to feel comfortable to open up. This is one of the
biggest issues for male victims of domestic abuse and this is the
issue we are trying to change, to support men to realise they’re in an
abusive situation and access our services.”
The launch event saw a plaque unveiled, commemorating Paul who
was a much loved friend and family man. Attended by multiple
agencies and domestic abuse organisations, speakers included
Paul Lavelle’s mother Barbara Lavelle, trustee Paul Gladwell and
ex-Everton player Neville Southall who also attended the event, to
say a few words commemorating Paul, who was a devoted Everton
Football Club fan.
If you or a male loved one have been affected by domestic abuse,
visit the Paul Lavelle Foundation’s website for more information:
https://paullavellefoundation.co.uk/
For information about domestic abuse support options more
generally in Wirral, visit: www.itsneverokwirral.org
In an emergency, always call 999.
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