Male-specific counselling now available online across the province

Male-identifying people who need help and support to overcome abuse can now access counselling and support services virtually in Manitoba.

Due to the pandemic, instances of gender-based violence have increased in Canada, according to a national survey conducted last summer.

Themen's relationship counselling program, launched in Winnipeg on May 31 and accessible province-wide, is designed to help deal with the problem.

"Delivering more programs for men is a change in approach. Trying to focus more on prevention and on reducing and hopefully eliminating gender-based violence, that would be nice it's a big goal," said Chelsea McClelland, family violence counsellor at NorWest Co-op Community Health in Winnipeg.

Gap in services

McClelland says there is a definite gap in services available to men, from those experiencing abuse to those who have abused. She says by offering counselling services virtually and by phone, it might inspire those in need to reach out for help.

McClelland says the program designed "to helppeople who are abused or need support and healing. Maybe they're trying to exit a relationship, need help with safety planning, or protection orders. We can help with that."

An estimated 80 per cent of victims of intimate-partner violence are women so, mathematically, 20 per cent of men or non-binary people would make up the rest, McClelland says. However, the number could be higher because of under-reporting.

"There's a lot of shame and stigma around coming forward. [It's the idea that] if they're in a relationship, men are supposed to be strongor not supposed to be hurt."

McClelland says the fact that the issue of violence within families is so prevalent, it's a wonder services are so scarceacross the country.

Low barriers to access help

The new program at NorWest includes one-on-one counselling, practical support in the community and group counselling services.

The only criteria to register is being at least 18 years of age,male-identifying and having access to the Internet or a telephone. Access to language interpreters is also available.

Anyone affected by family and intimate partner violence can call a confidential 24/7 toll-free crisis line, 1-877-977-0007, staffed by shelters across the province. Texting options are also available at 204-792-5302 or 204-805-6682.

In an emergency, dial 911 or call the local police service.