Campaigner calls for greater awareness of domestic abuse as he is awarded with MBE

By Tom Horton23rd March 2019News EnglandAwards, Domestic Abuse / Violence, News England, Victim Support

The public needs to be “more aware” of domestic violence so victims can get better support, according to a campaigner on the issue.

Frank Mullane, CEO of charity Advocacy After Domestic Abuse, made the comments after he was presented with an MBE by the Queen at Windsor Castle on Friday for services to families affected by domestic homicide.

Mr Mullane (pictured), from Swindon, said he lost his sister and nephew to domestic abuse in 2003.

He said: “It is quite a poignant moment because obviously we reflect back on the murder and none of this would have been in our lives but for murders, that’s a strange feeling.”

However, he said it is a “nice feeling” to receive the honour, adding: “It is wonderful to see the recognition for the work that we do.”

The public needs to be “more aware” of domestic abuse so they know how to give “safe interventions”, Mr Mullane said.

“A person suffering domestic abuse, for example my sister, first of all comes to her brother.

“We give loving responses, whereas I think we need informed responses.”

Also honoured at the ceremony was James Threlfall, who was awarded an MBE for services to young people in Wiltshire.

Mr Threlfall, who is a keen skateboarder, runs events for young people in his community.

He said that it is “really important” young people have access to activities, adding: “When I was younger I found that some of my friends went off and were getting into trouble.”

However, focusing on skateboarding “completely kept me out of trouble”, he said, and helping young people access the sport is “really, really important”.