A SURVIVOR of domestic violence from Caernarfon has called for more support for male victims such as himself.

Matthew Jones, a 28-year-old bricklayer, was assaulted by his then-partner, Rachel Williams, at her home in the town in October 2021, which led to her receiving a restraining order.

Ms Williams then breached this order in June 2022, which landed her a financial penalty of £199 and a four-week electronically monitored curfew when she returned to court last month.

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Though he has relocated to Sussex with his wife, Melissa, for a “fresh start”, Matthew said the incident “still plays on my mind”, and told of how it affected him particularly in the immediate aftermath.

He said: “After the assault, it was hard for me to sleep. I’d wake up in the middle of the night suddenly, and flinch whenever Melissa would move at all in bed. I felt like that (domestic abuse) was normal.

“I’m OK now, because I’m out of that relationship, and in a happy, stable one now, but it was just too much in the end for me. That’s why I left her.

“I’ve had help from Victim Support, from Samaritans, I’ve had counselling… it still plays on my mind, but they have all helped me realise that it wasn’t my fault, even though I felt like I was always to blame for everything.

“My wife has been a massive support, because it was taking its toll on me. She’s been reassuring me that I’ve not done anything wrong, and that I’m a good person.

“It took three years of my life from me, basically. We moved to Sussex to get away for a fresh start. I wasn’t going to get that if I stayed in Caernarfon. I’m much happier here now.

“I think there needs to be more awareness of domestic violence against men, so that men can realise that, if they’re in an abusive relationship, they can call someone, or turn to someone for help.”

Matthew was also asked to provide a victim impact statement prior to Ms Williams’ latest court hearing.

In the statement, he said that he felt “constantly on edge” and “very low in mood”, even after their relationship had ended and he had met and moved in with Melissa.

Extracts from the statement read: “For many months after I left Rachel, I felt so unwanted, worthless, and not good enough for anyone.

“I never realised how controlling Rachel was, and how unhappy I was, until I finally left Rachel and my home town in Wales.

“I felt so trapped and became more and more unhappy being in Rachel’s presence.

“It was only when Melissa told me she had started to look at me as more than just a friend, I knew I had to leave Rachel and Wales so I could be happy and live a normal, loving family life.”

Valerie Wise, national domestic abuse lead at Victim Support, urged anyone who has been affected by domestic abuse not to “suffer in silence”.

She said: “It’s really important to recognise that anyone can become a victim of domestic abuse.

“Because it impacts a larger proportion of women, it can be difficult for men affected to recognise themselves as victims and to report and seek help.

“We want anyone who has experienced domestic abuse, including men, to know that support is available – please don’t suffer in silence.

“Get in touch with Victim Support by visiting our website and using our LiveChat or calling our free 24/7 support line.”

Though Samaritans said it is unable comment on individual cases, it also encouraged those feeling vulnerable to contact its helpline at: 116 123.