Thousands of men in Kent were victims of domestic abuse last year, a charity has revealed.

In 2017, police received 6,764 reports of men being abused by a current or former partner.

This is a marked increase compared to the 4,803 cases reported in 2016, and 5,467 in 2015.

Domestic abuse charity, the Mankind Initiative, hopes the figures will encourage more men to come forward.

It also hopes to alert those within the council, police and health service to just how many males are affected.

Campaigners believe this will ensure that professionals address their needs, making support services more gender inclusive.

The Home Office reports that men are more than three times as likely to not tell someone about partner abuse, when compared with women.

Men are also less likely to perceive what has happened to them as domestic abuse, or open up to police.

Last year, 19,109 women in Kent reported that they were abused by a current or former partner.

In 2016, police received 14,723 reports from woman, and there were 15,521 in 2015.

"I never came forward to the police when I was experiencing abuse and it nearly cost me my life..." - Ian McNicholl, Mankind Initiative

Domestic abuse survivor, and ambassador for the Mankind Initiative, Ian McNicholl, obtained the figures after sending a Freedom of Information request to Kent Police.

He said: "I never came forward to the police when I was experiencing abuse and it nearly cost me my life.

"If you are experiencing domestic abuse you are not alone and help is out there.

"Please call the police or speak with friends or family to get the help you need.

"I can assure you that the action you take today will be life changing, and it could even be lifesaving."

Mark Brooks, chairman of the ManKind Initiative, said: "The number of men coming forward to the police sends a clear message that domestic abuse is a crime that affects both men and women.

"It is vital that councils, the police and crime commissioner, and partners in health and housing fund local services to support them.

For more information on the Mankind Initiative, click here

If you are suffering abuse at the hands of a partner, you can report it through the Kent Police website, or call 101.