Getting male victims to admit to domestic violence

NEW LONDON, Conn. (WTNH) --We often hear about sexual and domestic abuse crimes against women, but one organization says it's seeing a spike in the number of men who come in for help.

It is a face of domestic violence or sexual abuse. Victims are no longer thought of as just women. Which is why this is the new name of the former Women's Center of Southeastern Connecticut.

"I am Safe Futures, I am Safe Futures."

Folks at Safe Futures say their old name was a barrier to getting men to come in for help, even after counselors had met them at places like court where their abuser was facing charges.

"The tragic thing is they didn't realize they could come here afterwards and get more support and have access to more resources," said Emma Palzere-rae, Safe Futures.

The name change was needed to reflect the change in clientele. In 1999 less than nine percent of their clients were men or boys. Last year they made up 26 percent of their clients. Most were victims of their partners or parents.

"Kids in abusive homes, boys especially are twice as likely to be abusers as adults," Palzere-Rea said. "So we need to break the cycle."

Folks there realize men are less likely to come forward and say they are victims. And that's why they want everyone to know that all the services are confidential and free.

"We don't want anybody to be out there suffering when we're here able to help them," Palzere-Rae said.

With this new name they are hoping everyone's future is safer.