A Leytonstone solicitor has praised David Hyatt, of Leyton, for speaking out about his abuse at the hands of his partner

David Hyatt, 50, of Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, told the Guardian of his abuse at the hands of a former girlfriend, who regularly beat him.

Mr Hyatt is calling for the Government and wider society to do more to tackle the issue.

Lorraine Collier, of Kennard Wells Solicitors, in Leytonstone High Road, said: "The majority of men who suffer domestic violence will not report it.

"This may be due to a number of reasons.

"They may feel that their masculinity is compromised if they admit to suffering bause. We teach our sons that they must not hit girls from a very early stage, and to the majority of men, hitting a woman is taboo, even in self-defence.

"Men are also different in a social environment to women.

"Women almost always have networks of friends or family, who they tal to about relationship problems.

"Men are far less likely to confide even in close friends or family that they are experiencing abuse."

According to Home Office statistics, one in five men have experienced domestic abuse since they were 16.

The figure for women is one in three, but the figures also show nearly half of all victims are men.

If you are a male victim of domestic abuse, call the Mankind Initiative helpline on 01823 334 244 or visit www.mankind.org.uk