Would you know where to turn for help if you thought a colleague was experiencing domestic abuse? What if that colleague was a man?

As International Men's Day approaches on 19 November, we're shining a spotlight on Ask Marc, Black Country Women's Aid's specialist service for men affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence, stalking and so-called honour-based abuse.

Abuse can take many forms, and not all of them leave visible scars. Verbal abuse may involve insults, humiliation or threats that erode a person's confidence and sense of self-worth. Economic abuse can occur when someone takes control of a person's finances or prevents them from working, creating dependence and limiting their independence. Coercive and controlling behaviour can include monitoring phone activity, tracking someone's movements, or restricting contact with family and friends, often without their knowledge or consent. While emotional, sexual and physical abuse may be more widely recognised, every form of abuse can have a profound and lasting impact on a person's wellbeing, safety and freedom.

Too often, men experience abuse in silence, unsure where to seek help or worried they won't be believed. At Ask Marc, we believe no one should have to face abuse alone.

The service offers practical and emotional support to men affected by abuse, including access to an Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) and safe refuge accommodation when leaving home is the safest option.

Support can include safety planning, emotional support, advocacy, help navigating court proceedings, and referrals to other specialist services. Ask Marc is also expanding its offer to include peer support groups, group programmes, counselling and therapeutic support, helping men connect with others, recover from their experiences and build a safer, more positive future.

Everything we do is confidential. Information is never shared with family members, the police or any other organisation without a person's consent. The only exception is where there are concerns about the safety or welfare of a child or vulnerable adult.

This International Men's Day, the Ask Marc team is offering free workplace awareness sessions, delivered online or in person, to help organisations better understand male domestic abuse. These sessions can help employers recognise the signs of abuse, challenge stigma, and understand how to support male employees who may be experiencing it.

To find out more about how Ask Marc can support your workforce, please contact development@blackcountrywomensaid.co.uk.