A former soldier has spoken out for the first time after he escaped years of alleged domestic abuse.
Harry Finch, a former solider, claimed he endured emotional, psychological and and physical abuse at the hands of an ex-girlfriend during their relationship. Mr Finch, now 50, said he feels the time is right to speak about his experiences to break down the stigma around being a male domestic abuse survivor - and to highlight the inadequate support in England.
Mr Finch told the ECHO he has chronic post traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety because of his time in the military.
READ MORE: Sister of swimmer missing in River Mersey believes he's 'out there fighting'
He said he felt a catalyst for the abuse began after he was prescribed the wrong medication. He claimed this led him to be "manipulated, blackmailed and threatened" before the abuse allegedly became physical.
Mr Finch said he can now see some early warning signs of the start of the manipulative behaviour. He told the ECHO : "It got worse over a period of time. Looking back I can see how she pulled me in and then pushed me away again.
"She put other people in front of me and when she wanted something brought me back to the front again. I'd be blamed for things and never praised. I didn't see it then because of the meds but looking back I can see it all."
He said at his lowest he couldn't get out of bed and spent eight months refusing to leave the house. He added he didn't wash and hardly ate.
He said he found it hard to admit he was a male victim of alleged domestic abuse and decided to temporarily move to Scotland to start afresh and get the necessary help. He said: "In England there isn't the help there - people look at you and say it can't have happened because I'm a man.
"As soon as I went up to Scotland the help was there for me. They put me in touch with the relevant people including army veterans who were able to help me. I got all the help I needed up in Scotland. I got put with Veterans UK who gave me a room and helped me retrain.
"There's just a bigger support network in Scotland around male domestic violence and mental health. Within weeks of me being up there people were helping me and I was on top of it. By the time you're seen down here the damage has already been done."
Mr Finch said part of the problem is admitting you can be a male domestic abuse victim. He added: "It's self pride and confidence - it's a combination of the help not being there and feeling ashamed that it happened. A lot of people don't know where to turn."
He added he is feeling more positive for the future. He has a new girlfriend and now splits his time between his flat in Crosby and hers in Burnley. He said his family connections have returned and he's back speaking with his mum and children.
He said: "I've got my life back. Everything is the right way forward now. I'm in control of my own head."
READ NEXT:
Back from the brink: The Liverpool house where lives are being saved every day
Mum's life changed after attending university open day with teenage son
Charity shop where you can 'unburden your troubles' over a cheap cup of tea
Nan, 90, with 'biggest family in Merseyside' still buys presents for them all
Foster couple 'heartbroken' as every child leaves but 'wouldn't change a moment'
