A charity is looking to explore the issue of violence against men.

The ‘Violence Against Men’ event is due to take place to commemorate International Men’s Day.

Anjum Anwar from Women’s Voice which is hosting the event said the issue had not been explored and it was hoped that the group would help create more awareness of it. “There is still much shame and stigma in men discussing the issue. “However, what does a 6ft tall man do when he is been attacked by a woman? Does he hit back? Does he keep quiet? “Or does he take the violence, whether physical or verbal? These are the questions that we will be exploring on November 19.”

The first IMD was inaugurated in 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago and on the day events throughout the world focus on men’s and boy’s health, improving gender relations and promoting gender equality. IMD’s theme this year is to focus on “Keeping Men and Boys Safe.”

Woman’s Voice already celebrates International Women’s Day each year.

Anjum said there was still a stigma attached to the issue: “The first step towards resolving any issue is to come out of denial and open up the conversation, however, difficult it may be.

“When I spoke to a professional person three weeks ago, he laughed, until he realized that I was not laughing and said sorry! “The question he asked ‘how is that possible?’ I informed him come on the 19th and find out? “Woman's Voice has always raised awareness about difficult issues, and we have no doubts that there are stereotypes that exists, but we need to move beyond these obstacles.

“Our job is to create awareness on violence as NOT acceptable at any level, and that 1 in 6 men are the target of violence where the figure for women is 1 in 4.

There was a time when violence against women was considered as a ‘domestic issues’. FREE Independent legal advice for men with children (family law) and men’s rights (CPS general information) will be available from 2 to 4 p.m.

Refreshments and networking from 4.30pm to 5.45pm and 6pm start at the Lecture Theatre at Blackburn University Centre. International Men’s day is on November 19. The event is at Blackburn University Centre. For more information,email info@womansvoice.info