A MAN who escaped from a harrowing ordeal at the hands of a “physically and emotionally abusive” wife has told of his battle to heal the trauma he suffered.

The 30-year-old from Oxfordshire spoke out as the charity Victim Support revealed it was desperate for new volunteers after being swamped with new cases, including domestic abuse, in just one month.

After receiving counselling from the charity the man, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “Life is looking better than ever as I can now acknowledge my war is over.”

Victim Support’s services manager Kathryn Mclean said it was “absolutely vital” more volunteers come forward to cope with the rise in crimes like the one against the abused husband.

The man said Victim Support had helped him stabilise his thinking and grow stronger every day.

He added: “No need for defences or staying on high alert. It’s quiet in my mind for the first time in years. I can see, hear and feel things I haven’t for a long time.”

Bicester-based Victim Support provides emotional and practical support for victims of crime in the Thames Valley area – by phone, via email or face-to-face. But due to cuts of the past few years the charity has been overrun.

Last month, the Bicester office received 221 new cases of out a total of 361 across the Thames Valley.

Ms Mclean said the referrals were linked to the rise in domestic abuse and sexual violence.

She added: “Referrals are about double what we normally get so we need more volunteers. I know in Bicester we would like to double the 43 volunteers we have at the moment. The service is vital.

“It’s easy to help, no experience is required and volunteers are only required to commit two or three hours a week.

“People cope with crimes they have been affected by in different ways. With cuts to other services, ours is now more important.”

Volunteers start by doing a four-day training course to learn to deal with “core crimes” that include assault and harassment.

Once experience is gained, further training offering support to those affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence takes place.

Victim Support volunteer Philippa Spits said she felt good knowing she was making difference and helping someone who needed support.

She added: “I was interested in volunteering for the charity because it was well supported and very flexible.

“My client has had a really hard time, but she tells me she really appreciates me listening.

“All you have to do is be there to listen and talk to someone. You can be a person that isn’t involved with everything that’s going on in their lives.”

The charity is holding a concert from 7.30pm tonight to raise funds.

The Launton Rock Choir will perform at Emmanuel Church in Barberry Place, Bicester.

Members of the public can attend can pay on the door. Tickets cost £5 for adults and £2 for children, with all money going to Thames Valley Victim Support.

To become a volunteer, visit, www.victimsupport.org.uk